Celebrating Fashion Revolution Day
22-04-2014
Thursday, 24th April 2014 acknowledges the first year anniversary of the tragic event, where last year 1,133 people lost their lives and over 2500 were injured when the Rana Plaza factory resulted in a state of collapse in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Sadly, catastrophes within social and environmental areas held in our fashion supply chains continue.
This distressing occasion has unquestionably generated huge worldwide attention to the fashion industry, where if we can work together we can use the power of fashion to stimulate a state of change, ultimately restoring the broken links in the supply chain.
To maintain momentum around ethical fashion, the Fashion Revolution mission is to create a longstanding campaign that will convey real change within the industry. Introducing Fashion Revolution Day, an occasion that will become a significant day in the global fashion calendar, and led by a board of industry leaders who seek to channel change within the trade and recognize working conditions for those in production.
Melanie Rickey & Mary Portas support Fashion Revolution Day
Photographer: Trevor Leighton
Stylist: Alice Wilby Hair: Oscar Alexander Makeup: Lauren Baker
T-shirt: Continental Clothing Oversized label: Mrs Bowtie www.fashionrevolution.org
In order to commence the beginning of an industry-wide transformation towards a more sustainable future, Fashion Revolution are asking you to wear your clothes inside-out for the day. This action will reconnect through a positive narrative, to understand that we aren’t just purchasing a garment or accessory, but a whole chain of values and relationships. This will intern change the way people look at the clothes they wear, creating curiosity.
Fashionistas from all around the world are inventing ways to raise awareness for this occasion. From prolonging the life of our garments and adapting our clothes to suit our own style and shape by sewing and mending, which ultimately saves money and conveys a huge sense of achievement from the finished result, to designing a simple, yet functional and unique shopping bag, created from a custom-made, sustainable faux-leather fabric made from recycling 25 small plastic water bottles. All over the world, there will be an array of events to celebrate and take part in to understand the importance of ethical fashion, ranging from catwalks and panel discussions, to film screenings and knitting evenings. Here at FashionCapital we will be opening the Factory for the day to support the idea of ethical fashion Made in Britain. Be sure to pay us a visit!
There are many small, simple yet effective ways to get involved, but a concept of my own would be to channel the technique of customization. This is a creative and fun, fashionable method to giving your garments uplift through the means of adornment, embellishment and embroidery, ultimately revitalizing a whole new lease of life to plainer looking pieces. From adorning a diamante collar onto a simple, tired jacket, to changing the buttons and adding a chic fur trim on your favourite coat you’ve had since the 90’s to re-awaken an old classic are only some examples to be inventive when customizing your clothes. This stylish technique showcases true individuality and brings a sense of uniqueness and originality to one’s wardrobe. Not to mention you’ll receive an abundance of complements and feel immensely proud that you’ve transformed a pre-loved garment into something bang-on trend, without it costing more than a few quid. Savvy, stylish and supporting Fashion Revolution Day. You may be onto something. Spread the word!
Turn an item of clothing inside out, take a picture of the label and sharing on social media using the hashtag #insideout – and encourage customers to do the same
Share stories of the people behind the clothes and join the conversation on Twitter @Fash_Rev and on the Fashion Revolution Facebook page
Visit the FashionCapital / Fashion Enter Factory in North London
Thursday 24th April 8am – 5pm
You can turn up on the day but to avoid disappointment please email jenni@fashion-enter.com or call to book your space on 020 8 809 3311.
The Factory
Unit 14, Crusader Estate
167 Hermitage Road
London
N4 1LZ
Words by Katie Farley
Freelance Fashion Stylist & Fashion Writer
Read more from Katie on her weekly designer review page ‘Katie’s Fashion Fairground’ in Industry Trends on FashionCapital
