Fashion Revolution Week 2020: seven days dedicated to raising awareness around sustainable/ethical fashion and the key issues facing the industry today.
Why is Fashion Revolution Week so important?
The movement was started in the wake of the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse, in which 1,100 garment workers were killed and a further 2,500 injured – the deadliest garment-factory disaster in history.
Despite the protests of many individuals and groups, the fashion industry is still rife with human and environmental exploitation. Today’s it’s estimated that over 90% of workers in the global garment industry still have no possibility to negotiate their wage or conditions. Clothes are some of the items most at risk of being produced through modern slavery, a serious problem for an industry that involves up to 40 million people (80% women) worldwide. 77% of UK retailers still believe there is a likelihood of modern slavery in their supply chain.
Facts like these are often hidden beneath attractive designs, low prices and clever marketing campaigns. It’s now more important than ever to demand transparency, accountability and change.
How can I get involved?
Together, consumers have significant purchasing power, and this can be used to drive change in the fashion industry. It’s so important for us all to demand that the products we buy live up to our personal standards surrounding quality, sustainability and ethics.
Take a look at Fashion Revolution’s guide to digital activism, which has ideas on how you can get involved, as well as some great advice on how to approach brands (and what questions to ask!). Happy reading 📚
Fashion Revolution x Y.O.U Underwear
It was a privilege to be invited to take part in the panel discussion on ‘Monitoring the Workforce’, organised by Ethical Brands for Fashion Revolution. We’ve also had the opportunity to listen to a variety of talks on everything from circularity to the fibres in our clothes, and to hear the stories of some amazing brands.
We also published a behind-the-scenes video on our manufacturing process – so now you too can take a peek inside our factory to see how our underwear is made, and also meet the makers!
