Fashionopolis: The Book That Started It All
If you are new around here, you may not know that the idea behind Revive Athletics came after our founder, Laura Halley, read a book that changed her entire perspective on the fashion industry.
In Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes, journalist Dana Thomas dives deep into the dark side of the global fashion industry. She exposes how fast fashion—characterized by cheap, trend-driven clothing produced at lightning speed—has led to devastating consequences for people and the planet. From unsafe factory conditions to environmental destruction, the book offers a jarring look at how our obsession with disposable clothing comes at a high cost.
But Fashionopolis doesn’t just dwell on the problems—it also explores hopeful solutions.
Throughout the book, Thomas profiles designers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who are reimagining fashion’s future. She introduces readers to innovators working on lab-grown leather, sustainable fabrics made from algae and orange peels, and 3D printing that reduces textile waste. She also examines the rise of slow fashion and the return to artisanal craftsmanship, where quality, longevity, and ethics take priority.
After reading Fashionopolis in 2019, Laura committed to shopping secondhand ONLY. But as someone who almost exclusively wears activewear, she was having a hard time finding the styles and brands she loves. The activewear sections of the secondhand stores were small, unorganized, and extremely inconsistent.
What began as a simple Instagram shop grew into a brick-and-mortar store, which officially opened in Portland in 2021. Over the years, Revive has grown, moved locations, & transformed into a destination spot for all things secondhand activewear! We’re thrilled to call Hawthorne Blvd. home and claim our 6.4K+ Instagram followers as our #revivalist community!
Fashionopolis doesn’t just inform—it empowers. Whether you're a fashion lover, a concerned consumer, or someone curious about where your clothes come from, this book will open your eyes and inspire more thoughtful choices.