#WHOMADEMYCLOTHES
On the 5th anniversary of the devastating Rana Plaza factory collapse in which 1138 people lost their lives in the name of fast fashion, we reflect upon the current state of the fashion industry and the people who are campaigning for change.
Fashion Revolution, a not-for-profit global movement, have been campaigning for systemic reform in the fashion industry with a focus on improving transparency in the fashion supply chain. The question Fashion Revolution wants you to ask the brands you wear is “Who made my clothes?”.
Every year in April Fashion Revolution run a week long campaign where they encourage brands and producers to respond to the question by demonstrating transparency in their supply chain with the hashtag #imadeyourclothes. We all know the effect social media can have on social change, so the hope is by putting pressure on brands to demonstrate transparency we can not only raise awareness but influence them to consider their production and manufacturing practices.
In 2008, as Acne Studios started to grow into a global fashion brand, they became a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation working with factories and companies to improve labour conditions of garment workers.
The supply chain is not the only concern however, as fast fashion contributes to land fill with approximately 6000kgs of clothing dumped every 10 minutes in Australia alone. Vivienne Westwood has been campaigning against the mindless consumption of fast fashion for years, with the slogan “Buy less, choose well”.
For Pre Fall 2018 Ann Demeulemeester launched and initiative in Macedonia. The project involves training mothers in different hand knitting techniques for their knitwear range. The initiative also supports the families in providing education for their children.
We have clients who come in wearing Issey Miyake backpacks or Ann Demuelmeester blazers they have had for over two decades.
To us, this is what the fashion industry should be all about.