Today marks 4 years since the Rana Plaza factory collapse. On 24th April 2013 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, 1,138 people were killed and many more injured whilst making our clothes. According to reports into supply chain working conditions, garment producers around the world today still work long shifts in sweaty factories with no fire escapes. Earlier this year tens of thousands of clothes workers protested the world’s worst pay - just £54 a month. On top of the poor conditions and awful pay, a lack of workers right can make something as simple as buying a pair of jeans an ethically awkward task.
There is some change. As a result of the tragedy, many retailers have signed the Bangladesh Accord, with H&M being the biggest brand to join up. Caring organisations are applying pressure to major retailers, this month Fashion Revolution Week are running the #whomademyclothes campaign. You can join the campaign which will see millions of people ask brands, ‘who made my clothes’ and demand greater transparency in the fashion supply chain. Big brands take note when we speak up. There are also some wonderful ethically conscious brands out there that would love your support. Read on for some of my favourites and some new brands with great missions that I plan to support.
Affordable ethical fashion: Clothes
People Tree are a pioneer in ethical clothing and a firm favourite of mine. They offer affordable and stylish sustainable fashion and constantly supported the Fair Trade fashion shows I organised at university with several pieces from their collection.
Nomads sell beautiful fairtrade & organic clothing. Their pieces are designed to last using traditional techniques.
NYDesignz is an African heritage inspired label offering beautiful pieces handmade in the UK.
Joined in Life are an eco-friendly fashion brand using recycled & organic materials. They donate 10% of sales revenue to Mary’s Meals so each T-shirt sale feeds a child for over a month.
Monkee Genes make the best jeans I have ever owned. They use carefully sourced fabrics and their trousers are made by people who care because they are being cared for. An added bonus is the fact they do half sizes. So if you, like me, are a little big for a size 8 but a size 10 is too baggy, you can simply opt for a size 9!
Affordable ethical fashion: Underwear and accessories
PICO pants make underwear from organic cotton in a small Fairtrade factory in India.
Afrocenchix, the ethical haircare brand I co-founded, offer the original satin lined African print bonnet - handmade by women in the UK.
Attic do super comfy bamboo socks and other items with sustainable materials. These socks make my feet seriously happy.
What Daisy Did tackle poverty and homelessness through recruiting vulnerable people in India and the UK. They are a fairtrade fashion label using recycled materials to create beautiful unisex bag collections.
Affordable ethical fashion: Jewellery
Cred make beautiful jewellery with fairly mined metals. Most of my jewellery is from this brand.
I knew my husband was the one when he bought me fairly mined white gold earrings from Cred for my birthday. Our wedding rings are also from Cred and hold conflict free diamonds.
Oh My Clumsy Heart sell minimal jewellery at a fair price. All pieces are handmade in the UK.
Queen's Wood Studio create eco friendly precious jewellery from recycled silver & gold and reclaimed gemstone beads.
Affordable ethical fashion: Children’s Clothes
Stripey Squirrel make unique kids clothes from upcycled materials.
Tommy & Lottie make modern unisex baby clothing & prints inspired by nature & nostalgia. Their clothing is high quality, ethical & sustainably made. I LOVE these designs and they are very reasonably priced.
I hope you found something new! Which are your favourite ethical clothing brands? Join the #FashionRevolution and shop sustainably.