When was the last time you asked, “Who made my clothes?” I ask that a lot these days. But sometimes I don’t dig deep enough. I like to support local and small businesses via Sweet Sauce. Even when I often know who is SELLING my clothes, I don’t always know who MADE my clothes.
Local retailer Love This, teamed up with Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising, VCU Department of Sociology, ECOFashion club, United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) of VCU, and RVA Fashion Alliance to host Fashion Revolution Day, an interactive exhibition to educate and, “use the power of fashion to inspire change.” This was one of many events held around the country the week of April 21, 2016. I was invited to participate from friends and local designers, Isabel Edmonds and Ali Ferguson.
The event challenged consumers (mostly VCU Students) to think twice about where their clothes were made while acknowledging the poor working conditions in countries such as Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam and more. Participants were asked to wear their clothes inside out to symbolize the importance of reading garment tags and labels. When I was there, tons of engaging conversations were happening. A group was about to head out with a petition full of signatures (including mine) to ask VCU’s President to stop sourced clothing items from sweat-shop supported brands.
Guests also took the pledge of sustainability to practice better consumption habits in their daily activities. I made mine! Blue ink all over my hands and all:
I came in proud wearing my thrift shop finds. I thought I’d ace this test. I was told to turn out my tags and my shirt was made in China. Yikes! It’s hard to stay on top of this stuff, especially now as a blogger. Even when I buy from local brands and thrift stores, I’m still guilty of supporting companies who put people in danger.
“Fashion Revolution Day reminds us to reflect on something we take for granted on a daily basis Where our clothes are made? Who made them? How are their lives impacted,” said Rupa Singh, coowner of Love This. “We don’t realize the significant impact we are having on our planet and people. By asking these questions, we hope we will spark curiosity and motivate thoughtful shopping practices.”
Fashion Revolution Day takes place in April to commemorate the collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory complex killing 1,133 workers and injuring 2,500 more in Bangladesh, India. The group had “X” s on the ground, one for each person who died. It was powerful to say the least.
Local and socially conscious brands like Lola Pepper, Is, Yesterday’s Heroes Vintage, Verdalina, and Rumors all had ethically sourced pieces on display at the event.
More photos from the event:
Photos by Travis Ellison.
Congratulations on a great event! Looking forward to keeping tabs on this movement.
Learn more about Love This in an article I penned for Richmond Magazine.
YOUR TURN! What does your tag say today?
