Ethical fashion in simple terms means fashion produced with consideration for people and planet, but there´s nothing simple about it. It´s a global issue with politics and billions of pounds in the equation. (Who´d have thought the clothes that hang in our wardrobes could have such mega implications?!)
From pesticide use, fabric credentials and carbon footprints to working conditions and fair trade, the multitude of issues surrounding the fashion industry can seem pretty baffling. Add to that all the green wash, scandals and far-from-transparent brands jumping on the eco bandwagon, plus the fact that the labels in most garments tell us so little, how do we know who to believe? And for goodness sake, what do we wear?!
Some people believe environmental impact should be the major focus for the fashion industry. The organic movement is rapidly growing in force and the call for ´chemical-free´ is louder than ever.
Others believe it´s all about fair trade, campaigning for an end to the exploitation of the people involved in clothing production; the ones in the fields and factories, who seem a million miles away from the garments you see hanging on shop rails.
Transparency is key, according to some; making sure the whole supply chain is clear and visible to all, with honesty and authenticity.
As the landfills overflow and the natural resources dwindle, others believe that, conserving and re-using the materials that are already here, is the only way for fashion to go. (www.adili.com)
