Hi. Hello There. How's it going? Is that a new sweater? Have you done something different with your hair? It looks great.
So I know it's been a while, and whilst I am aware that you most probably have not been concerned with my temporary online absence, it is definitely something that has been plaguing my mind for the last couple of months.
The reason for my truancy? I could list a dozen excuses, but the truth is: i'm sick.
Sick of fashion.
The hysterical rush to acquire each fleeting trend, the rampant pattern of buy-discard-buy-discard and the incessant demand for a constant supply of cheap, new clothing leaves us all with closets overflowing with garments, but lacking the knowledge of who made them, how and where.
The ethics of the fashion industry have been concerning me for a while now, but like most consumers I found myself shrugging off the nagging voice of my conscience which pondered the actual cost of the high street bargains I was pacifying myself with, to return to the blissful, easy state of unconscious ignorance.
So why start paying attention now?
A couple of months ago I attended a talk about the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh on the 24th April last year, killing over 1,100, leaving many more injured and many families broken. Despite the growing cracks in the obviously unstable building, 3000 garment workers were ordered back into the factory- There were garments to make, orders to complete, profits to make. At 8:57am, the factory collapsed. The devastation was colossal; shocking pictures of people buried alive amongst the ravaged rubble and the desperate survivors who waited helplessly overlooking the rescue operation to hear the fate of their mother or father or sister or brother or friend swarmed the media, provoking a resounding gasp from the western world.
Over a year after, reports of what happened at Rana Plaza and it's consequences still trickle into our newspapers- albeit perhaps not as extensive as those covering Kim Kardashian's wedding- and continue to shine a spotlight on the embarrassed high street chains who are all quick to assure us that everything is under control.
So why does it seem that very little has changed?
It's not difficult to find shocking evidence of what really goes into the manufacture of some high street clothes: working exhausting hours, in unsafe conditions, for what is barely a living wage. Yet the first world consumers still seem content to sweep the truth of the overwhelming moral corruption of the fashion trade under the carpet with the toe of this season's must have Balenciaga-look-alike boot.
The truth is that by recognising the faults in such an extensive industry, we open a pandora's box of social and environment implications - understandably the consumer prefers to keep this box firmly chained and padlocked.
But even the diehard fashionistas will have to admit that something has to change.
And we're the ones holding the key.
The hysterical rush to acquire each fleeting trend, the rampant pattern of buy-discard-buy-discard and the incessant demand for a constant supply of cheap, new clothing leaves us all with closets overflowing with garments, but lacking the knowledge of who made them, how and where.
The ethics of the fashion industry have been concerning me for a while now, but like most consumers I found myself shrugging off the nagging voice of my conscience which pondered the actual cost of the high street bargains I was pacifying myself with, to return to the blissful, easy state of unconscious ignorance.
So why start paying attention now?
A couple of months ago I attended a talk about the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh on the 24th April last year, killing over 1,100, leaving many more injured and many families broken. Despite the growing cracks in the obviously unstable building, 3000 garment workers were ordered back into the factory- There were garments to make, orders to complete, profits to make. At 8:57am, the factory collapsed. The devastation was colossal; shocking pictures of people buried alive amongst the ravaged rubble and the desperate survivors who waited helplessly overlooking the rescue operation to hear the fate of their mother or father or sister or brother or friend swarmed the media, provoking a resounding gasp from the western world.
Over a year after, reports of what happened at Rana Plaza and it's consequences still trickle into our newspapers- albeit perhaps not as extensive as those covering Kim Kardashian's wedding- and continue to shine a spotlight on the embarrassed high street chains who are all quick to assure us that everything is under control.
So why does it seem that very little has changed?
It's not difficult to find shocking evidence of what really goes into the manufacture of some high street clothes: working exhausting hours, in unsafe conditions, for what is barely a living wage. Yet the first world consumers still seem content to sweep the truth of the overwhelming moral corruption of the fashion trade under the carpet with the toe of this season's must have Balenciaga-look-alike boot.
The truth is that by recognising the faults in such an extensive industry, we open a pandora's box of social and environment implications - understandably the consumer prefers to keep this box firmly chained and padlocked.
But even the diehard fashionistas will have to admit that something has to change.
And we're the ones holding the key.
This is such an important issue in the fashion industry, when you think of how much g=has changed in the food industry with animal rights. I think it's absolutely shocking how we in the western world care more about Kimye than a huge disaster. At the moment we are trying to sugar coat what we see on the media and will not step up and face the facts.
ReplyDeleteaforvogue.blogspot.co.uk
You know what, I agree with you totally. And it is one of the reasons I started sewing in the first place. After four years, I now make all my own clothes, and that for my girls - some of hubbies too. I also upcycle and recycle clothes I get tired of. I don't compromise on quality, but I don't waste or throw away either. I love keeping up with the latest fashion trends but I feel like I can do so in a much more sustainable way like this. I know others who don't sew, challenge themselves to buy second hand or improve their skills with diy or swap. I think every person can make a difference and the issues you talk about are very real and worrying. Good on you for raising your voice.
ReplyDeletehttp://lilysageandco.blogspot.com/
This is such a well written post on actually such a serious matter that needs to be brought to daylight. It seems we don't care about how or who even made our garment or toys or all these things we're swimming in. I totally agree with you that something definitely has to change and hopefully sooner than later because there are always these accidents happening and whatnot.
ReplyDeleteOh and I'm in total awe at the simplicity of your blog. xo
http://style-krush.blogspot.com/
Wow, very well said. This resonates with my views on fashion trending seamlessly and I can relate with what you say about mindless consumerism in the market. It brings to mind the controversy over Sportsgirl and their methods of angora fur extraction. When did we start caring about animals over the wellbeing of living people? It is extremely disheartening to live in this world of materialism where the garments do not receive the recognition of the sacrifices that have been made to produce them. Good on you girl for highlighting the significance of this underlying issue. Currently re-reading your previous posts - in LOVE with your blog! You have serious talent in clothing design.
ReplyDelete- J
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