Fashion Revolution celebrates the future of sustainable fashion

Fashion Revolution Day celebrates all of the designers who are faced with the challenge of fairer supply chains. Traceability in the fashion industry is incredibly important going forward, as there are many popular franchise clothing brands that have less-than-ethical production lines, and are particularly bad for the environment.

So why do we need a fashion revolution? On the 24^th April 2013, 1,133 people were killed in the Rana Plaza catastrophe, in Bangladesh. Another 2,500 were injured. It is considered the deadliest garment factory accident in history, as well as the deadliest accidental structural failure in modern human history. The building contained clothing factories, a bank, apartments and several shops. The banks and shops closed immediately after cracks in the building were discovered. The garment workers were ordered to return the following day and the building collapsed during the morning rush-hour.

Fashion Revolution counteracts supporting organisations that put garment workers through working in conditions such as these by asking consumers, designers and brands "who made my clothes?"

So, in the spirit of this, it's important to know about some of the most exploitative Australian fashion brands. Bangladesh is 75% cheaper than China, so fashion labels are having their garments made there, and the garment suppliers are paid approximately $39 a month. The Australian Fashion Report has ranked the worst offenders of this, but here are the ones that will surprise you…

The worst offenders:

Industrie – the Australian menswear retailer

Glassons – an NZ women's fashion retailer

Lowes – Australian menswear and schoolwear retail chain

R.M. Williams – a men's and women's apparel retailer

Fast Future Brands – owns Valleygirl and TEMT

Pretty Girl Fashion Group - owns Rockmans, beme, W. Lane and Table Eight

Brands who ranked better:

H&M – major Swedish retailer for women, men and children

Adidas – sports footwear, apparel and accessories

Country Road Group – owns Country Road, Trenery, Witchery and Mimco

Cue Clothing - Australian womenswear label

Gap Inc – retail giant for clothing, accessories and personal care products

Jeans West – Australian/NZ retailer for women, men and children.

It's amazing that some of the most popular and highly coveted brands in the world are also having their garments produced in less-than-ethical ways. Whether its harmful to the environment or to human rights, we all need to turn our attention to Fairtrade clothing brands that hold sustainable mission statements. Here are a list of designers in New Zealand who are doing just that. You can read the full Australian Fashion Report for 2015 here.

What to take away from this:

Pay attention to your brands, and think before you make an impulse decision to buy from franchise giants. You might be buying into an organization that neglects safe work practices, the environment, or even basic human rights. Let's celebrate Fashion Revolution Day by acknowledging those that work towards a sustainable and fair future in fashion!