Become an active citizen through your wardrobe. ~Livia Firth
Transparency is the first step to transform the fashion industry. And it starts with one simple question: #WhoMadeMyClothes?
When you shop, ask (yourself and those at the store) “who made my clothes?” (not which brand….but literally, who?). Think about the thread from the garment, to the machinist who sewed it, all the way back to the farmer who grew the cotton. They all matter.
On April 24, 2013, 1,133 people were killed, and over 2,500 were injured when the Rana Plaza factory complex collapsed in Dhaka, Bangladesh. And yet, social and environmental catastrophes in our fashion supply chains continue.
So, from April 23rd-29th this year Fashion Revolution Week will bring people from all over the world together to use the power of fashion for change. With every dollar you spend, you are voting for more of the same, so…let’s spend our dollars with care. There are so many incredible people, and lovely companies to support.
Together, we can use the power of fashion to inspire change and reconnect the broken links in the supply chain. Let’s slow fashion down together and call for a better, fairer, cleaner, safer, and more transparent industry – and a healthier, happier world. Fast fashion and fast consumption doesn’t work.
To participate in Fashion Revolution Week (please do!), post a picture on Instagram, Twitter, and/or Facebook of you wearing your clothing inside-out (with your label showing). Tag the brand on the label and ask them #WhoMadeMyClothes. Last year, 2 million people engaged with Fashion Revolution in April through events, posting on social media, viewing their videos or downloading resources from their website. The movement has grown to span 92 countries and reach millions, but we can still do better.
Take your education and action into your own hands, starting with these links.
Read this before your next shopping trip – Follow these tips and make your next shopping trip count! The clothes that suit you the best will always be those that match your values.
Favourite consciously made t-shirts – Help slow down the fashion industry (and green it too) with these brands.
Favourite organic socks – Wear comfortable, great looking hosiery that comes from a mill that uses healthy textiles, and employs fairly paid staff – then, you’ll be looking for any excuse to take off your shoes and show off your happy feet.
Favourite eco shoes – These are the companies that make my favourite footwear, the shoes and boots that I slip on, zip and lace up everyday.
Favourite organic undies – There’s nothing closer to you than your undies, so make sure they’re actually clean.
Fair Trade: What it means + Why it matters – Learn more about Fair Trade – because having a socially responsible fashion industry also means properly paying + protecting those who grow and harvest the materials we use.
Hair Ties: The Underestimated Culprit in the World’s Plastic Problem – 20,000 pounds of hair elastics (or the equivalent weight of a city bus) are dumped into our planet each day! These organic, plastic free hair ties are a great solution.
The Child Labour Experiment– Watch and share this video. If children are too young to be working in our stores, they’re also too young to be making our clothes:
Here’s to a true Fashion Revolution, now, more than ever, your clothes do define you!