Fashion Revolution Week is in full swing and Fair Trade actors all across the globe take part to stand up for better working conditions in the garment industry. Take action in this Fashion Revolution Week by asking brands #WhoMadeMyClothes.
The week falls on 24 April which marks the anniversary of the tragedy of Rana Plaza that cost the lives of over 1,100 people. Together with Fashion Revolution and other actors we campaign for a fashion industry in which catastrophes like these never happen again. We aim for a fashion sector that conserves and restores our environment and gives people, especially women, a voice. An industry where fair and safe working conditions are the standard, not an exception.
As prevailing as the issues in the mainstream fashion industry might still be, counter movements against fast fashion are on the rise. And they should be celebrated! This is why our member Oxfam-Magasins du monde together with Fashion Revolution and La Tricoterie is dedicating a whole day to the slow fashion movement. This Friday, on 26th April, they invite everyone in and around Brussels to join their “Slow Fashion Day & Night” celebrating the very many alternatives to an exploitive fashion industry. A festive day and evening awaits you to understand the drawbacks of the current textile sector and to propose alternatives. Visitors can discover concrete ways to “dress slowly” and meet the actors of ethical fashion. One of the sessions will be moderated by WFTO-Europe regional coordinator Francesca Giubilo. She will be leading through a debate on how local authorities, especially those awarded the Fair Trade Towns title, can be encouraged to promote sustainable public procurement even further, especially when it comes to textile. Those and other exciting topics: This Friday, 26th April from 11 am on, at La Tricoterie in Brussels. More info here.
Oxfam-Magasins du monde is only one of many actors who show that slow fashion is in vogue. Over the past weeks other members have organised different activities to highlight the alternatives to the mainstream fashion industry.
RIVESTITI-TERRA EQUA is a festival focused on Fair Trade and sustainable fashion. It took part in Bologna on 13 and 14 April and was initiated by different Fair Trade actors in Italy. Several expositions, fashion shows, conferences and food tasting, musical shows, films, and much more were organised to inform people about how to transform the fashion industry. This year’s edition had two main focusses: the role of consumers to promote a sustainable economy and the connection between the fashion industry and climate. You can find the program of the event here, read about who participated, and find further information on issues discussed and participants.
Events like these seem to have an impact – not only within the Fair Trade sector, but also on consumers. In March, our Spanish member Coordinadora Estatal de Comercio Justo launched a European survey on the attitudes of consumers regarding sustainability and transparency of supply chains in the fashion industry. The study reflects on how most of the questioned citizens claim more transparency and accountability from clothing brands in terms of their environmental and social impact. The survey was conducted together with Fashion Revolution in five different countries (Spain, France, Germany, and UK). Read about the findings (in Spanish) here.
Got inspired to wear more Fair fashion? Check out WFTO’s brand new Fair Trade Fashion Catalogue which gives you an insight into the wonderful product range of fashionable WFTO members around the world.