WHAT is a Fashion Revolution?

On April 24, 2013, the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh collapsed. 1,138 people died and another 2,500 were injured, making it the fourth largest industrial disaster in history. The people crushed under those eight floors were manufacturing clothing for the western clothing market and were mostly young women.

This tragedy became a catalyst for demanding change within the industry and the Fashion Revolution movement was immediately founded, by Orsola Del Castro and Cary Somers.

People and environment are still suffering for how fast fashion is made, sourced and produced.

Fashion Revolution Week events annually mark the anniversary, this year running from April 19-25. The campaign works all year to highlight and tackle issues including human rights, fair pay, protecting artisan craft, the manufacturing process - including CO2 emissions and use of toxic dyes or chemicals, over-consumption and waste.

A Fashion Revolution is one that loves clothes but encourages informed choices, therefore helping us to feel good about what we are wearing. It strives to see fashion used as a force for positive change.

How to be a Fashion Revolutionary

1.Be Curious

Become informed by asking brands about who made their clothes and what is in them. FR’s #whomademyclothes online campaign is call for greater transparency, asking brands and retailers to take a closer look at their own supply chains and ultimately become more accountable for their impact on people and planet.

Find out more about the issues through reading – Orsola del Castro has a great new book, watching the film The True Cost or a free online course at Future Learn.

2. Know Yourself

Knowing the colours and styles which suit you and your lifestyle enables more mindful and informed purchases and avoids the risk of items sitting unworn in the wardrobe. It can also help you to see items that you already own in a new light or help you to wear them in a different way.

Time spent with a stylist is a worthwhile investment if you feel you have lost your way with this a little. I recommend Style by Louise in Taunton.

3. Love your Clothes

Extend garment lifespan with correct washing techniques, repairing tears and replacing missing buttons. Either do this yourself or visit a repair café when they start again. If you are no longer wearing something, have it made into something new or swap it.

4. Create Change

Support small ethical brands and make sustainable switches where you can, such as choosing organic cotton. This sends a huge message of support to those striving to make the fashion industry a better one and ultimately can help to make better practices the norm.

Further ideas at www.oliveandrosy.com/post/style-why-do-we-need-a-fashion-revolution and www.fashionrevolution.org

by RACHAEL MILLINGTON