Fashion Revolution Week 2016

"The true Fashion Revolution will come when

'Ethical Fashion'

is no longer a niche market. The future should aim for consumers tobe shopping for fashion that just so happens to be ethical. All aspects of production for all companies must be regulated, transparency demanded and fairness for workers and the environment held tantamount to design and price, and above profit. Ethical companies are garnering change year on year, from consumer consciousness, to pressurising brands, to pushing those in government, powerful enough to alter garment, trade and work legislation to sanction those guilty of perpetuating injustice across supply chains. But in order for the injustices which surround the clothes we consume so freely to end, we as shoppers must first become aware of the humans behind our wardrobes, and remember them every time we see something we 'need'."

The ethics surrounding the mass production of clothing for the middle classes by the working classes has long been a difficult issue. I remember learning about sweatshop labour in high school and even as a child wondering why my clothes labels all said 'made in China' not 'made in the UK'. But after the horrendous disaster of the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh collapsingand the film True Costrevealing the reality behind the ready-to-wear fashion industry, a fashion revolution is needed more than ever. Each year, the UK charity calls for a simple campaign- turn your clothes inside out and show the label. Most care labels simply state the country, but Fashion Revolution wants to take that a step further. They want you to ask your favourite brands about who exactly made your clothes, in what conditions, how are they treated and how much are they paid; what is their story?

The F.R website states: We believe in fashion – an industry which values people, the environment, creativity and profits in equal measure, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure that this happens. Our mission is to bring everyone together to make that happen. On 24th April each year, Fashion Revolution will bring everyone in the fashion value chain together and help to raise awareness of the true cost of fashion, show the world that change is possible, and celebrate all those involved in creating a more sustainable future. As a global movement uniting around an annual campaign, over the next 5 years we believe we will build considerable momentum and achieve incredible impact together. We recognize that, in many cases, Fashion Revolution will bring together organisations and people that, outside of Fashion Revolution, remain competitors.

Like the Fashion Revolution Scotland Facebook page here!