I'm so pleased to participate in Fashion Revolution week from April 18-24th.
Fashion Revolution is an initiative inspired by the tragedy in 2013 when 1,134 garment workers were killed in#Bangladesh when their unsafe workplace collapsed. Big brands outsource their manufacturing because it's cheaper. But at what cost? No human being should suffer or die so that we may have fast fashion.
One way I'm participating in #FashRev is by answering the question #Whomademyclothes? I get my Featherweight sweatshirts manufactured in San Francisco & have them dyed in Marin County, so I can visit the facilities in person.
Who made my clothes?
Every T-shirt that I've made under the Featherweight brand has been made in the USA. When I design and produce T-shirts and apparel for clients, I guide them to choose made in the USA or Fair Trade apparel.
It takes more time and more money to source from reputable companies, and sometimes I'm unable to find the made-in-the-USA products I'd like to use. As a one-person business, it would be WAY easier to source cheaper, more questionable products. But I have to live by my values, which include seeing all humans (not just Americans) as having a right to life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness. I also believe in sustainability in design and manufacturing, because I plan to live a long happy life on the Earth! For the most part I don't have the funds to create the quality, sustainable, beautiful products I'd like to see, but I keep designing anyway, embracing upcycling as another way to source raw materials.
Fashion Revolution encourages you to look inside your clothing labels & see where they were made. The brand that you gave your money to - do you trust that they're doing GOOD business, or just cheap business?
Clothing should be fun, not fatal. There are better ways to get dressed.
This is a huge passion & influence of mine, if you have any questions please ask!