This week marks the sixth year of Fashion Revolution Week and along with commemorating the anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh, this week consumers are called upon to voice for a fairer, safer and more transparent global fashion industry. If you aren’t already aware, you can read about the importance of participating in Fashion Revolution Week here.
This week Fashion Revolution will launch their largest Fashion Transparency Index yet, listing 200 brands.
“We are proud to see so many Australasian brands responding to the call for transparency and responsible fashion by publishing their factory lists, producing detailed transparency reports, and sharing stories of their makers so we know who make our clothes,” says Melinda Tually, Fashion Revolution Australia New Zealand Co-ordinator. “We’ve definitely turned a corner, transparency is here to stay.”
Some big name Australian fashion businesses making steps towards transparency this year are:
THE ICONIC who launched Considered last week with 6,500 products falling under their sustainability values.
Indie clothing and jewellery label ELK are publishing their first Transparency Report that is quite possibly the most comprehensive report published by an Australian brand (see for yourself here).
Long-time Australian swimwear favourite Tigerlily has done just that, releasing their first Consciousness Report a couple of weeks ago.
Department store giant David Jones has published an interactive map featuring 70 percent of their private label Tier 1 suppliers. The business has also published its first JONES Magazine sustainability issue.
With over 50 Fashion Revolution events happening in Australia alone, here are just some of the ones worth checking out this week:
New South Wales
Zero Waste Tote Workshop | Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th | $20 | Tickets
For the second year, Citizen Wolf are hosting a Zero Waste Tote workshop in their new St Peters factory. Using offcuts from their made-to-measure t-shirts you’ll create patchwork panels to sew together a tote bag lined with a recycled City Of Sydney event banner.
Fighting Fast Fashion | Tuesday 30th | Free | More information
Join Well Made Clothes in conversation with fashion industry experts Melinda Tually (Fashion Revolution, Ndless; The New Normal), Suzana Tas (Nudie Jeans) and jewellery designer Holly Ryan to discuss environmental and ethical issues in the industry.
Nudie Jeans Co x BLAEK Store Repairs Night | Wednesday 24th | Free | More information
Nudie Jeans Co. in collaborating with conscious retailer BLAEK Store are educating consumers on sustainable denim. With special guest speakers from Nudie Jeans Co., attendees will also learn how to repair and recycle denim. Repair stations for Nudie Jeans Co. will be set up, important info on the company will be shared, and celebrated.
Eko Mindful Boss Ladies Brunch | Saturday 27th | $127 | Tickets
Keen to launch a purpose-driven side hustle, career or business? Australia’s First Zero Waste Sustainable, Dress Hire and Consignment Boutique EKOLUV is hosting a luxurious high tea with four of Australia’s most recognisable eco boss ladies, sustainable stylist, Salvo’s Ambassador and TV commentator Faye De Lanty, founder of Tommie Magazine Natalie Shehata, our own editor-in-chief Jennifer Nini and EKOLUV owner and social entrepreneur Emily Kate Symes. Learn how to start a meaningful business on a budget, how to deal with setbacks, how you can build your tribe and use the power of story-telling to engage them. Set in an intimate chic sustainable garden setting, this brunch will empower you with the tools, tips and advice to pursue your purpose and passion and live your best life.
Victoria
The Slow Fashion Market | Saturday 27th | Gold Coin Donation | More Information
The Slow Fashion Market is Melbourne’s first sustainable and ethical fashion market for new clothing, with 40 independent brands stocking men’s, women’s and children’s wear with an emphasis on quality without compromising garment works ethics.
A.BCH NATURAL Fashion Open Studio | Saturday 27th | $180 | Tickets
A two-part workshop to learn the art of embroidery and natural dye techniques like shibori and resist stitching. You’ll get a limited edition A.BCH tee made of hemp and organic cotton as a blank canvas to co-create a unique (and toxin free) piece of wearable art.
Ethical Clothing Australia x RMIT panel | Monday 29th | Free | RSVP here
Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA) and RMIT Sustainability Team invite you to learn about the people and local brands making your clothes and what’s happening globally with a panel event discussing insights into the garment manufacturing process and how much progress has been made to improve the industry from a social and environmental perspective.
Fashion Open Studio Upcycled Tassel Workshop | Wednesday 24th | $25 | Tickets
Lois Hazel and Simétri will be hosting this Upcycled Tassel Workshop where you can learn how to make a leather tassel using left over materials. They will walk you through the process of making the tassel while sharing their individual stories and why sustainability and ethical practices are so close to their hearts. Price of the ticket is redeemable for all Lois Hazel + Simétrie products purchased on the night.
The Fashion Clothing Exchange: A Swapping Revolution 2019 | Sunday 28th | $25 | Tickets
The Clothing Exchange is bringing you a Fashion Revolution #haulternative with a clothing swap. Bring up to six items that are locally made, vintage or just fabulous and swap! Ten percent of ticket sales will be donated to Fashion Revolution so the organisation can continue to do its good work in transforming the fashion industry.
RiverBlue film screening | Wednesday 24th | $10 | Tickets
RiverBlue is a documentary well worth watching if you’re keen to see the environmental impacts of fashion. The film educates viewers about the impacts denim has on the environment and the lives of the garment workers producing the world’s favourite fabric.
Queensland
Suitcase Rummage | Sunday 28TH | Free | More Information
Suitcase Rummage is a sustainable market focused on recycling, bring up to three suitcases of vintage, bric-a-brac, second hand clothing, books, jewellery, shoes, records, badges, cards, art. The market encourages members of the community to engage in ethical exchange supporting local makers; giving old things a new life; and bringing community together to share stories all whilst reducing landfill waste.
Fashion Revolution 3-Day Event | Friday 26th, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th | Free | More Information
This three-day event hosts a range of panel discussions on how people can revolutionise the fashion industry. It covers a diverse range of topics that affect the rag trade, from sustainable materials, the welfare of garment workers right through to how you can reduce your impact by shopping sustainably. In addition to panel discussions, there will also be sewing, styling, making and mending workshops and a curated vintage, pre-loved and designer markets.
Western Australia
Global Fashion Swap | Sunday 28th | $20 | Tickets
The swap is simple, no money changes hands and everyone is invited. Bring up to seven items of clothing in good condition to swap. Proceeds from ticket sales will also be going to CARE charity who are working to bring #MeToo to the garment industry and stop sexual harassment.
Restyle and Repair Advice Drop In | Sunday 28TH | More Information
Spotted Boutique are hosting a ‘How To’ day to help slow down fashion consumption by teaching practical ways that people can do just that. Drop in for mending, alterations, care and styling advice.
Recommending reading:
- 69 Facts and Statistics About Fast Fashion That Will Inspire You To Become An Ethical Fashion Advocate
- A Fashion Revolution Country Coordinator’s Perspective on Fashion Revolution Week
- 10 Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Podcasts to Tune Into
- Get Educated With These Free Sustainable Fashion and Ethical Business Online Courses
- 4 Must-See Short Online Films on The Topic of Fast Fashion
- 32 Thought-Provoking Quotes About Ethical, Sustainable and Fast Fashion
- The Sustainable Fashion Blueprint Report 2018: Industry Overview and Business Opportunities
All images and graphics unless otherwise stated via Fashion Revolution.
