Get involved in Fashion Revolution Week 2022
Image credits: Unsplash
There is no sustainable fashion without fair pay and safe treatment of workers.
Fast fashion brands and big retailers have made billions from the exploitation of labour and natural resources. They produce too much too fast, and manipulate consumers into a toxic cycle of overconsumption.
Meanwhile, the majority of people that make our clothes are not paid enough to meet their basic needs, and already feel the impacts of the climate crisis – which the fashion industry fuels.
As global citizens and consumers of fashion, we have the power and responsibility to take action. Together, we must rise up and call for a regenerative, restorative and revolutionary new fashion system.
We spoke with Natalia Bertolo, the Assistant Country Coordinator of Fashion Revolution New Zealand about what they hope to achieve through the movement this year and why now, more than ever, we need a Fashion Revolution.
What is the vision for Fashion Revolution 2022?
Natalia: With Fashion Revolution Week events happening mostly online this year, our vision is to engage with a wider audience. We want people to realise that EVERYONE is a fashion consumer. This movement is not only limited to fashion lovers or those who follow fashion trends. It's important that we connect with these people too, as they also have a role to play.
Why is it so important that we ask #WhoMadeMyClothes, #WhatsInMyClothes and #WhoMadeMyFabric?
Natalia: Transparency is key to a better industry. Transparency matters for many reasons but mainly because it sheds light on the responsibilities of everyone along the supply chain; and it also facilitates better access to data, which helps the industry as a whole move forward.
Has the New Zealand fashion industry evolved since the Fashion Revolution movement started?
Natalia: We believe so. We see so many brands, both here in New Zealand and abroad, being more engaged in the conversation. Some of them are making wide strides towards ethical procurement and a circular economy. Unfortunately, it is still not the majority. Fashion, and fashion companies, will always suffer the capitalist dilemma to keep growing and continue selling their products - and that in itself is intrinsically unsustainable.
What’s your favourite way to honour Fashion Revolution Week? We asked the rest of the Fashion Revolution NZ team and here’s what each of them said:
“By volunteering for FRNZ and having many meaningful conversations about our mahi. In my personal life, I have several beloved items in my wardrobe that belonged to my nana. I care for these clothes and wear them as often as possible. I want to give them a long and beautiful life!”
Amanda Butterworth, Country Coordinator Fashion Revolution NZ
”My way to honour FRW is to keep sharing stories/initiatives to inspire a better fashion industry. You see, I love fashion...we all do! We are all here talking about it, aren't we? But the industry needs systemic change. Non-stop consumerism has no space in a fair and clean future.”
Natalia Bertolo, Assistant Country Coordinator Fashion Revolution NZ
“I enjoy sorting through my wardrobe and remembering the stories of where my clothes come from (and searching them up again if I’ve forgotten). Reflecting back on how far we’ve come in the fashion industry, discovering new brands, and remembering how much more work there is to do.”
Kate Hall, educator, Instagram Inspirer (anti-influencer), blogger, freelance writer, and general sustainability activist.
“Through connection to myself - wearing , repairing and reinventing clothing each day.”
Karishma Singh Kelsey, Entrepreneur, educator, and proponent of regenerative design,
“By supporting and working with the FRNZ team volunteers to take action, talking about Fashion Revolution Week with friends & colleagues, watching The True Cost and visiting www.fashionrevolution.org to learn more ways in which I can be the change.”
Amy Conlon, sustainable fashion advocate, entrepreneur & creative designer.
We need legislation that protects the right to a living wage for the people who make our clothes. Image credits: Good Clothes Fair Pay
10 ways to be part of Fashion Revolution:
Start with your wardrobe. Adjust your fashion consumption habits to something less wasteful and more sustainable. Rewear, repair, restyle, upcycle, mix and match. Instead of following short-term trends, discover your inner style.
Attend Fashion Revolution events online and join the conversation. Here is a list of virtual events happening in NZ for Fashion Revolution Week 2022: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb4RPJ2r3Ah/
Read about the people who make your clothes and connect with their stories. On fair&good, we showcase tonnes of stories by ethical brands about their makers and artisans so we can feel more connected to the products we buy.
Learn more about the mainstream fashion industry and the issues they fuel by watching documentaries, listening to podcasts and reading books. Here are some recommended resources:
Watch - The True Cost, Riveted: The History of Jeans, Redress The Future
Listen - Wardrobe Crisis with Clare Press, Conscious Chatter Podcast, This Old Thing with Bay Garnett, Remember Who Made Them Podcast
Read - Overdressed by Elizabeth L Cline, Consumed by Aja Barber, Rise and Resist by Clare Press, Fashionopolis by Dana Thomas, Loved Clothes Last by Orsola de Castro
5. Ask brands #WhoMadeMyClothes and demand that they do better for their workers. Email them asking about how they are working towards a fairer fashion industry or comment on their social media posts.
6. Write to policymakers and show solidarity with the people working in fashion supply chains by pushing for tougher legislation that supports them. Use this handy template by Fashion Revolution to send an email directly to the inbox of your elected representative: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cce8_71rR8W/
An easy way to get involved in Fashion Revolution Week is to ask your favourite brands #WhoMadeMyClothes. Use this template to draft your email or letter or craft your own. Image credits: Fashion Revolution
7. Talk about Fashion Revolution Week with your friends and family. Create a social media post about a piece of clothing that means a lot to you or highlight a climate/social justice issue in the fashion industry. The best way to spread the message and inspire others to take action is by starting a conversation.
8. Host an event with your friends or community. Have a clothes swap party with your friends, host a mending or styling workshop or even a panel featuring ethical fashion advocates and business owners near you.
9. Vote with your dollars. Choose to purchase your clothing from secondhand stores or from ethical brands. Thrifting can be a fun way to add unique pieces to your wardrobe without breaking the bank or compromising on your values. You can also choose to support ethical brands that are truly making an impact on the lives of their workers. At fair&good, we do the hard work of researching brands and verifying their impact so you know that what you’re buying has a positive impact on people and the planet. Check out our fair&good directory to discover ethical Kiwi fashion brands: https://fairandgood.co.nz/shop
10. Sign a petition to enact change. As consumers, we have so much power in our collective action. Whether it’s petitioning for a Modern Slavery Act in New Zealand or asking brands to #PayUp, you can make a huge difference just by calling for greater transparency and accountability.
Bonus: Strive for progress, not perfection.
Fashion Revolution Week is an annual event but being an ethical fashion advocate is a lifestyle shift. Your journey will be far from perfect - and that’s completely okay! Pick a place that suits you best and start there. Be curious. Find out. Do something and visit fashionrevolution.org
YOU have the power to make a positive difference. Will you take action? Image credits: Holi Boli
Fashion Revolution Week is a global annual campaign that marks the world’s largest fashion activism movement to inspire seven days of action around the anniversary of the Rana Plaza tragedy.
This year, from 18-24 April, we will collectively reimagine a just and equitable fashion system for people and the planet. The theme of Fashion Revolution Week 2022 is Money Fashion Power.
Wealth and power are concentrated in the hands of a few, and growth and profit are rewarded above all else. Big brands and retailers produce too much too fast and manipulate us into a toxic cycle of overconsumption. Throughout Fashion Revolution Week, learn more about the true cost of our garments and how to value what we buy and wear.
