On April 24 last year, 1133 people were killed when the Rana Plaza factory complex collapsed in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with many more injured. Today, people continue to suffer as a direct result of our fashion supply chain.
On April 24 last year, 1133 people were killed when the Rana Plaza factory complex collapsed in Dhaka, This year on April 24, the fashion industry and its consumers from over 50 countries around the world – from designers and icons, to high street shops to factory workers and general customers will come together to raise awareness by asking the question “Who Made Your Clothes?”
On the run up to the first anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster, we’re championing Fashion Revolution Day by remembering its victims and raising awareness of the fashion industry’s biggest challenge – transparency throughout fashion’s supply chain.
Here’s how you can do to make a difference!
- We’re asking our community what they’re wearing, to turn an item inside out, take a photo and post to either Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest with the hashtags: #FASHIONREVOLUTIONDAY #WHOMADEYOURCLOTHES #INSIDEOUT and #WOOLANDTHEGANG
The images will be celebrated on a dedicated woolandthegang.com page as Gangstas from all around the world do their bit to raise awareness.
“By supporting the people behind our clothing manufacture, we aim to increase awareness so that one day the fashion industry might change its approach to the supply chain. A true change starts with radical thinking, and we hope our Gang will support this cause that we’re so passionate about”, said Aurelie Popper (WATG, co-foudner and creative director).
We couldn’t be more proud to say that our fashion is #madeunique – hand knitted by our global Gang of knitters. Whether produced in Peru or in London, we ensure that our knitters are able to work on their own terms from their homes. Pioneering the makers’ revolution, we want to show how important transparency is and how it could change a global industry.
We’re happy to say that there’s been a real movement lately where brands are taking a different approach.
Here’s a few fashion and lifestyle brands inspiring us and thinking differently:
- The ASOS stitching Academy supports British manufacturing by helping young people gain qualifications for stitching and machine skills that can translate into real jobs.
- Hiut Jeans is breathing life back into the small Welsh town of Cardigan where 400 people used to make 35,000 pairs of jeans a week. Hiut has reopened the factory and given people back their jobs.
- Shinola is investing in skills and creating a community in the once industrial American heartland. It also curates and celebrates craft, design and manufacturing from independent firms across the globe.
- Catbird is an online jewellery designer and manufacturer that defines the short supply chain by manufacturing and selling from one space in Brooklyn. We were lucky enough to be given a tour of their NY production behind the scenes.
- Kaufmann Mercantile curates and manufactures long-lasting and well-designed goods, that are mostly hand made and made under ethical and environmentally safe circumstances.
- Nike “Making” is a tool to inspire designers and creators to make better choices in the materials they use. The app ranks materials used in apparel based on four environmental impact areas: water, chemistry, energy and waste to aid educated and conscious choices.
- Harry’s mission is “shaving kit at fair prices”. They design and manufacture their own products in traditional crafted ways and sell directly online. They have taken over their whole supply chain so as to control their production every step of the way. Empowered by inward investment of $122.5 million they have bought a 93 year old razor factory to move themselves towards vertical integration. Go Harry’s!
- Warby Parker, is carbon neutral, invested in their local community and for every pair of glasses purchased they provide a pair to someone in need. Enough said.
- Patagonia - Patagonia has always been a pioneer and inspiration when it comes to transparency and how to be responsible. In our opinion, every business can learn something from Patagonia!
- Maiyet - We love that this brand creates partnerships with artisans to promote self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship in developing communities and economies.
- Accompany Us - Sources handmade pieces and ethically sourced items, ensuring that its merchandise is either Artisan-made. Fair Trade, or Philanthropic.