What Is Slow Fashion?
Slow fashion is a way of making and buying clothes that puts quality, longevity, and ethics ahead of speed and volume. Instead of chasing weekly drops and disposable trends, it favors pieces built to last, sourced from makers who care as much about how something is made as what it looks like — the opposite instinct of fast fashion: make less, make it well, and make it mean something.
The Principles Behind It
- Quality over quantity. Fewer, better pieces, chosen to be worn for years rather than seasons.
- Ethical production. Fair wages and safe working conditions for the people who make the clothes.
- Sustainable materials. Organic, recycled, or upcycled fibers, natural dyes, and deadstock fabric.
- Transparency. Knowing where a garment came from, who made it, and what it's made of.
How We Put This Into Practice
Every designer we carry is vetted through a meticulous curation process to ensure completely ethical production practices, from sourcing through manufacturing. That belief shapes every brand in the shop — from Kardo's hand-tailored pieces made by a single artisan start to finish, to Taylor Stitch's small-batch staples, to NA NIN's clean, naturally-derived fragrances.
A Community, Not Just a Supply Chain
We're dedicated to strengthening the Albuquerque creative economy through active giveback — free photo shoots and small business spotlights for fellow makers. That commitment led us to host the first Old Town SLOW Market, where we never charge vendor fees, so makers keep 100% of their earnings. Go with the slow: it's about who you support and how you choose to show up.
Above Snakes is a curated retail shop in Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico, offering slow fashion and ethical goods from independent makers. Learn more about our mission or visit us in person at 414 Romero St. NW.