#WHOMADEMYCLOTHES?
With the hashtag “who made my clothes“, the aim is to raise awareness of what we wear, and of how and where our garments were made.
On 24 April 2013, the tragedy in Bangladesh caused by the collapse of Rana Plaza, in which more than 1,000 textile workers died, exposed to the eyes of the whole world the appalling conditions in which fashion is produced today — clothing made for major global brands.
In the face of this terrible situation, Fashion Revolution was born, with the aim of joining forces, taking an active role against social and environmental injustice, and demanding transparency from the fashion industry.
So-called “Fast fashion” refers to those brands that, straight off the big runways, try to capture trends as fast as possible, manufacturing low-cost yet stylish garments. However, this business model is not, for now, sustainable. Exploitation, poor labour conditions, abuse, health problems, water and air pollution, overproduction (which, instead of being cut back, is incinerated) and so on, all lead us to conclude that with a garment that costs what it costs, someone, in the end, loses out.
That’s why Fashion Revolution Week is held every year on the same date that commemorates the Bangladesh disaster, with campaigns calling for a more responsible industry, where dignified work and a safe environment are essential.
And who is “Fashion Revolution“?
“We are designers, producers, manufacturers, workers and consumers. We are academics, writers, business leaders, brands, retailers, unions and policymakers. We are the industry and the public. We are citizens of the world. We are a movement and a community. We are you. We love fashion. But we don’t want our clothes to exploit people or destroy our planet. We demand radical, revolutionary change.”
How can we take part in Fashion Revolution week?
For this movement to keep growing, and for fashion workers to be treated with dignity, fair wages and safe conditions, we need to demand transparency from the industry, since it is very difficult to know who made our clothes and how, within today’s supply chain.
So ask brands #who made my clothes?
Send an email to your favourite brand, or use your voice on Twitter or post on Instagram.
Fashion Revolution Week is held from 22 to 29 April 2019. Don’t miss your chance to ask — join the campaign!
We are all responsible for the impact fashion has. We are all part of the solution, with every small positive action we take.
