Sustainability may be a buzzword of the season, but are brands practicing this notion? In a world choked by fast fashion, the search for ethical fashion continues.
Photo courtesy of Sissey, Fashioned From Nature exhibition, Victoria and Albert Museum, London
The Home Office has estimated there are between 10,000 and 13,000 victims of modern slavery in the UK today. Not just statistics, but actual faces. With the Modern Slavery Act of 2015 that commenced recently, prime minister Theresa May has said that Britain will lead the fight against modern day slavery.
“Part of my job is to research ways to diminish human trafficking and slavery,” says Louise Gleich, Public Affairs team leader in human trafficking research at CARE. “It’s unethical, and it’s wrong.”
Anti-slavery organizations such as the End It Movement inspires many to mark a giant red “X” on the forefront of their hand, showing support to end modern day slavery. Celebrities like Carrie Underwood and Duck Dynasty crew have jumped on board to promote this movement.
“It’s really unbelievable. Today there are over 27 million people sold into slavery,” says Adrian Chira, Hillsong’s digital media analyst. “Slavery should not exist in the world of clothing and fashion. I believe there should be zero people in slavery in sustainable fashion.”
Animal activist Kerry-Jane Wilson also agrees on the topic of sustainability.
“In terms of trends, I think that it’s sexy to be kind,” said Wilson. “That’s a trend. If you don’t have a social justice cause, you’re a narcissist. And there’s nothing more un-sexy and more uncool.”
On quality in fashion materials, Wilson says, “I do think that green is the new black. And I do think that compassion and sustainability are buzzwords now. But I think if a company isn’t doing that then they are behind.”
Sarah Lu is the childhood best friend to Christina Grimmie, the late YouTuber and singer who died tragically in 2016. Lu is a budding entrepreneur and creates her own fashion in remembrance of her friend. She is also a huge fan of sustainability in fashion and recently started hand-knitting beautiful artwork and sells scarves she crafts herself.
“I love fashion, and I hope that people get a lot of great use out of the scarves that I create. I chose to create it handmade because my hope is that it will add value to people’s lives.”
Brittany Russell, actress and dancer in Meghan Trainor’s energetic dancing squad, goes for cotton fabrics while rehearsing. When asked what kind of fabric she wears when dancing, she said, “I always gravitate to knit fabrics. I love Nike and Danskin’s cotton leggings.”
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But is there really an answer to reducing fast fashion anytime soon? Brands like London Ethnic are stepping in to the fight of ending modern day slavery. The fashion line, which holds high ethical standards, creates their materials in England—never being made in a crowded sweat shop.
Ronit Zilkha, British fashion designer to the late Princess Diana, has said during an informative lecture that, “fashion is deep in history. People lived in tribes that knocked into each other and traded deer, fish, and gathered berries and hunted. It was the beginning of economics. But fast fashion today has a terrible impact on people on the other side of the world.”
So how ethical is your wardrobe? Begin today by investing in organic or quality-made materials instead of giving in to the constant binge of buying fast fashion. Join in the green movement by taking this small step, and you are already leaps ahead and closer to the goal of more sustainability for you and the rest of the world.
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