Fashion Revolution was founded after the Rana Plaza factory collapse on 24th April 2013, where 1138 people were killed and over 2500 were injured. The Rana Plaza factory workers made clothes for tens of well-known high-street brands, including Primark, Mango, Benetton, Matalan and Bon Marche. The aim of Fashion Revolution is to raise awareness about where, how and who makes our clothing and show that their is a huge human and environmental cost to fast fashion.
Every year since, during this week, brands and clothing producers are urged to respond with the hashtag #imadeyourclothes to demonstrate transparency in their supply chain, and equally those who purchase fast fashion and partake in its exploitation are encouraged to question the undeniable harm that the industry causes to human life, workers rights and the environment. The message is simple: things have to change.
There has always been a political side to sewing, knitting and other handicrafts. From the revolutionary quilts of the Suffragettes demanding votes for women, to the the knitted pink pussy hats of the US Womens’ March and the creative lengths that saw Ireland adorned with the REPEAL slogan to legalize abortion, DIY has long since given us the power to take politics into every corner of the community.
Now, possibly more than ever before, a collective push for drastic change is needed as we face a climate crisis. The fashion industry’s role in this is monumental. Add to this the loss of human life, inhuman working conditions and furthering of a disposable culture, and it’s clear that we’ve reached a crossroad.
The Numbers
- Approximately 75 million people work to make our clothes. 80% of them are women between the ages of 18 and 35.
- 90% of textiles are still not produced in an ecologically sustainable way. This means toxic chemicals and microplastics pollute water, pesticides and chemical fertilizers pollute nature and are also dangerous for humans.
- 150 billion items of clothing are delivered out of factories annually yet Americans alone throw away approximately 14 million tonnes of garments each year, that’s over 36 kg per person. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 84% of unwanted clothes in the United States in 2012 went into either a landfill or an incinerator.
Slow fashion instead of fast fashion
But there is hope. Since the Bangladeshi disaster, millions of people around the world have joined the fashion revolution founded in the UK to fight for a fairer and greener textile industry. The so-called Makers Movement wants to promote creativity, individuality and the joy of doing things yourself, as well as environmental awareness and humane production conditions. The theme was so well received that the original Fashion Revolution Day was extended to Fashion Revolution Week three years ago.
DIY Made Simple
Become part of the movement! Makerist is incredibly proud to support Fashion Revolution and be a part of the slow fashion movement. We aim to inspire people all over the world, of every skill level, that making your own clothes is not only easy, but also fun! Through our step by step tutorials, DIY patterns and instructable video courses, we teach people of all ages and backgrounds how to make their own clothes and take a stand against the fast fashion industry.
What can you do?
Get involved. Ask the question: #whomademyclothes. Reduce your fast fashion purchases as much as possible: make, thrift, upcycle. If you need some inspiration about where to start, give us a shout, we’re here to help!
The Makerist team gathered together to show off their handmade clothes. From first-time seamstresses to sewing aficionados, all it takes is one item to make a difference.
Download the PDF “I made my clothes”, take a picture of yourself wearing something handmade and holding up the sign, and share it on the social channels Instagram and Facebook. Use the Hashtags #imademyclothes and #fashionrevolution. We will then share the images. Use the Hashtag #makeristcom so we can find you.
