Fashion Revolution 2017.

Last week was a significant week for the fashion industry. Last week was Fashion Revolution Week 2017 and Fashion Revolutions annual #whomademyclothes campaign. The reason for its being is heartbreaking, it coincides with the collapse of the Rana Plaza in Bangladesh in 2013, the devastating event that resulted in the death of 1138 people and injuring a significant amount more. The structure of the factory building was deadly and warning signs, whilst presented, were neglected by those in charge. The factory facility made garments for some very well known brands in the UK meaning that innocent workers who made clothes for so many here, lost their lives in a completely avoidable incident. 

The fashion industry is rarely transparent, much of what happens is hidden from the customers eyes, but Fashion Revolution encourages a much better practise, one that is very in line with our ethics and not only that it encourages customers to ask questions to their favourite brands about who made their clothes.

Today we’re four years on but there is still a disconnect between customers and makers. Often it’s hard to understand or appreciate the consequences of our buying habits unless they are clearly presented. And whilst the high of a new dress purchase can feel momentarily great, we wonder how great we would feel if we realised that lives were risked for it? Or that working conditions or wages for makers were poor? Or how we would feel if our friends or family worked in such conditions?

But despite the serious issues that Fashion Revolution is addressing it is a hugely positive movement that can only be reflected upon with deep admiration. Thanks to Fash Rev more people are asking questions and are shopping more mindfully than they may have ever done before. 

We write this on the close of Fashion Revolution because whilst this years #whomademyclothes campaign may have finished, our curiosity into who made our clothes should continue. So those jeans you’re wearing, that dress, that shirt, do you know who made them? If not there is no time like the present to find out.

We love fashion but we believe in fair fashion, fashion that supports people before profit, fashion where everyone benefits. So here’s to shopping more consciously.

Our featured image is of one of our incredible leather artisans in Haiti. You can find our more about our partners in Haiti here.