Introduction
The "Who Made My Clothes?" movement emerged from the tragic collapse of Rana Plaza in Bangladesh, which claimed 1,138 lives and injured 2,500 others. Co-founded by Orsola de Castro and Carry Somers, this global campaign aims to transform the fashion industry into a fairer, safer, and more transparent space.
Origins of the Movement
After witnessing the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013, de Castro and Somers were compelled to act. Both women have extensive backgrounds in sustainable fashion – de Castro as an upcycling pioneer and Somers as the founder of radically transparent brand Pachacuti. Their mission: to unite everyone in the fashion industry, from designers to consumers, in working towards a more ethical and sustainable future.
The Fashion Revolution: A United Fron
Labeling themselves as "pro-fashion protesters," the Fashion Revolution movement loves fashion while scrutinizing industry practices and raising awareness of critical issues. Rather than singling out specific companies, they believe the entire industry must be held accountable. Brands are encouraged to wield their power to drive positive change, as the movement opposes boycotts, which they view as an ineffective means to achieve systemic transformation.
Year-Round Events for Awareness and Change
The Fashion Revolution organizes various global events throughout the year, including film screenings, clothes-swapping gatherings, and workshops on social enterprise. These events aim to inform the public and celebrate the efforts of those working towards a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
To conclude, the "Who Made My Clothes?" movement has sparked a much-needed conversation about the fashion industry's darker side, pushing for transparency and ethical practices. By uniting the entire value chain in a collective effort, the movement aims to reshape the industry into a space that values people, the environment, and creativity over profit.
