Fashion Revolution Week – It’s a Wrap (Kind Of)!
Fashion revolution week 2018 may be over, but the spirit it has sparked in people for change continues to grow. A movement that started 5 years ago with a simple question – “Who made my clothes?”- today sparks conversations and engagement from brands and users around the world.
But what makes this event so special that it takes over our social media feed?
The Fashion Revolution is much more than just a week-long hashtag campaign. Five years ago, 24th of April saw the world wake up to the news that shifted the course of the fashion industry forever. The Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh had collapsed claiming the lives of 1,134 people and injuring more than 2,500 people, the incident was the catalyst for a revolution.
Every year during Fashion Revolution Week, thousands of people raise their voice, calling for a fairer, safer and more transparent fashion industry. What makes this campaign unique is its approach. Instead of pointing fingers at companies, they raise awareness to factor change.
Marking the 5th tragic anniversary of the Rana Plaza, Fashion Revolution Week has brought into laser focus the question of what has truly changed? The answer is A LOT! A number of brands are taking steps and responsibility to improve transparency and sustainability. More celebrities and influencers are getting involved. More than 2 million people have participated in the events around the world. More than 1000 events such as catwalks, cloth swaps, film screenings, creative workshops and many other discussions are taking place around the globe.
Our Contribution
We at Thread Harvest believe that total transparency, authenticity, and ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices are not just good but are essential requirements for fashion brands. We ensure transparency with our brands and customers from the start. We give you the chance and choice to shop the brands that embody the values you personally hold. May it be fair-trade, empowering women, or upcycling that you support, you can shop the brands that meet these impact badges from our Shop Your Values page.
We want to change the fashion industry for good and so do our brands. Every year our brands participate in the Fashion Revolution Week and share the story behind their supply chain. Questions are answered, new trends are made, and most importantly change is made at every step. We support and are committed to change to bring you both style and substance. We are Fashion Revolution!
How can you contribute?
Regardless of all these triumphs, there is still so much more to be done. Change is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight. It starts with the desire, one small step at a time in the right direction. Fashion Revolution Week may be over but small steps towards change are taken every day. It’s time to get involved and keep making changes for a better, sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
Do you think you really need that sixth pair of jeans? Shop carefully and avoid spontaneous shopping. You will be saving your wallet and the planet a lot.
Why buy when you can just swap clothes with your friends.
Rush to a vintage store, our local op shop (opportunity shop) or Vinnies to grab unique items at a much lower cost (both to the environment and to you).
Get that thread and needle and start sewing. Mend your much-loved garments and give them a new life. Or just make your existing clothes look different! Let’s take on this haulternative!
If you do find a need for a new item of clothing or accessories, buy Organic, Fair-trade, Employing the Marginalized, Empowering Women, Living wages, Eco-friendly, Upcycling etc. Check out the prodigious variety @threadharvest.
There’s still a long way to go. There are thousands of #whomademyclothes questions that remain unanswered by fashion brands. Our collective voice is powerful. The more messages they receive, the more likely they are to respond. So keep asking!
Thank you!
A big thank you to everyone who has been a part of this revolution. It is a long journey and together we need to bring a motion for a fairer, safer, cleaner and more beautiful fashion industry.