In my first module, we performed a debate on whether fashion does more damage than good. A few days ago, the annual Fashion Revolution Day was held, which helps raise awareness of the real cost of fashion and promote change within the industry.
Carry Somers, founded the organisation 2 years ago, shortly after the Rana Plaza disaster occurred on the 24th of April 2013. Carry described how everywhere she looked there was people complaining about the ethical issues within the industry and yet no one acted upon it. She decided it was time someone did this, and contacted a close friend for some help. Although we may think we have little connection to the factory that collapsed that day, we in fact stimulate this production by purchasing items from brands which use environments like the Rana Plaza.
This year there were over 70 countries involved all over the world and the question people were being asked was "Who made your clothes?", to which over 70% people couldn't answer. If companies aren't publicising where their items are made, then they probably have something to hide. In the centre of Berlin, the Fashion Revolution team placed a vending machine selling €2 t-shirts. When someone went to purchase a t-shirt they were shown a video of a young girl, working in poor conditions on very little wage, the customer was then asked if they wish to continue purchasing or whether they want to donate that €2 to a charity supporting this issue. As you could guess, most donated.
A simple action like this contributes to changing the industry. Continue your curiosity about this subject and mark the Fashion Revolution date in your diary, so you can help raise awareness of it each year.
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