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Ethical fashion has been in the spotlight for the past couple of years, US ‘Elle’ devoted a whole issue to the subject and now in the UK with ‘Tonic’, we have a whole monthly magazine dedicated to the subject.  Many high street shops are selling ethical clothing: Topshop sell People Tree, H&M have launched their own organic cotton label and Marks and Spencer who have recently announced that they will be going carbon neutral are selling clothing that have recycled beginnings such as a fleece made out of old plastic bottles. The fashion industry, except maybe Milan, is waking up to the benefits of ethical fashions.

One aspect of ethical fashion is Fairtrade. In the name of fashion, workers around the world are forced to work long hours for low pay and in dangerous conditions. A recent investigation by ‘War on Want’ found that major brands such as Tesco, Primark and Asda use garment factories where the workers are paid below minimum wage, are regularly locked into buildings to keep them working, and where overtime and is forced and often unpaid. Fairtrade is about ensuring workers earn a decent wage and are not exploited. In order for a brand to get a Fairtrade mark they must meet international Fairtrade standards set by FLO (Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International). Fairtrade means stamping out exploitation of workers in the fashion industry. 

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Fairtrade is gaining momentum in every consumer market, and not just fashion. According to Fairtrade.org.uk Fairtrade sales increase by 40 per cent every year aside from the ethical advantages of selling Fairtrade clothing there is also the financial stability that comes with knowing that this is a market where it’s net worth is on the increase.

In light of this there are a growing number of places where you can buy fashionable and affordable pieces knowing that they come from a sound background and where you can get involved in the many activities that are taking place during Fairtrade Fortnight. That should get your fashion pulse racing but without the guilt!

‘Tam and Rob’ established in 2005 are launching their spring collection to coincide with Fairtrade Fortnight. Their entire collection is organic and made in Fairtrade approved factories in Nepal and India. Their spring/summer 07 collection is launched on the 5th of March, expect to see some flirty flapper dresses and some bang on-trend high waisted trousers.

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People Tree, whose brand is sold in Topshop; work with 70 Fairtrade groups in 20 developing countries. Their range caters for women, men, babies, children and teens and they do some fabulous hand printed summer dresses.

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If during Fairtrade Fortnight you fancy popping along to a fashion show then check out ‘The Ethical Fashion Show’ in Deptford on Friday 2nd March or ‘Ethical Fashion Show’ at St Paul’s Church in Ealing on the 3rd of March or ‘Fairtrade Fashion Show and Market’ also on the 3rd of March at Mill Hill Church London.

Buying Fairtrade goods whether it be clothes or coffee not only means that the workers who made that product get a better wage, you will be making a statement, it will help propel Fairtrade sales and as we all know “money talks” so if the big brands recognise that there is profit to be made from Fairtrade goods then they might just jump on board also. The odd purchase you make may seem small but in the grand scale of things it is making Fairtrade more prominent and that’s got to be a good thing.

If you want to learn more about Fairtrade or want to get involved in the many initiatives taking place during Fairtrade Fortnight log onto www.fairtrade.org.uk

By Suzanne Scott

suzanne.m.scott@talktalk.net

www.myspace.com/suzannemariescott