Fashion Revolution invites you to celebrate their tenth anniversary at their annual campaign event – commencing from Monday 15th – Wednesday 24th April 2024. There’s lots of ways to get involved.
If you’ve been staying in tune with fashion movements over the last decade, you are probably familiar with the Rana Plaza Disaster in 2013 – the tragedy that trapped thousands of garment workers in the rubble of an eight-story factory building, killing 1,134 people and leaving thousands more injured.
Located in the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh, the Rana Plaza factory was manufacturing apparel for international brands including Zara, Primark, Benneton and Walmart. The day before the building came crashing down, concerns about large structural cracks were raised by garment workers to the factory owners, but they were regrettably ignored.
The Rana Plaza tragedy led Carry Somers and Orsola de Castro to establish the Fashion Revolution, the world’s largest fashion movement fighting for a clean, safe, fair, transparent and accountable fashion industry.
This year, for the global community’s tenth anniversary, Fashion Revolution invites citizens across the world, interested in building a more sustainable fashion industry, to celebrate Fashion Revolution Week 2024 from Monday 15th – Wednesday 24th April.
Across over 80 countries, Fashion Revolution Week 2024 invites their global community to share a decade of learnings on what it means to be a part of the revolution, including their achievements, advice and hopes for the future.
From Textile Repair workshops in Lyon, France to Vintage and Second-hand markets in San Juan, Puerto Rico, there are plenty of events commencing over the ten-day event – simply check out the global events calendar to see what’s on near you.
One of the main learnings for Mel Watt, Fashion Revolution Week’s coordinator, is “the power of what we can achieve when we unify around shared goals.”
As Fashion Revolution celebrates its 10th anniversary, one of the main learnings for Mel Watt, Fashion Revolution Week’s coordinator, is “the power of what we can achieve when we unify around shared goals.” Since the launch of Fashion Revolution Watt we have seen transparency become front and centre for an increasing number of fashion brands, legislators and even investors.” According to Watt, “This has been largely driven by campaigning to hold the fashion industry accountable for its social and environmental impact.”
Although there has been more disclosure from brands in recent years, “we still have a long way to go in addressing the issues for garment workers such as living wages, the right to freedom of association and correcting unfair purchasing practices” continues Watt.
Following their 10th anniversary, Fashion Revolution wants to see a “decision making process to ensure that all voices are heard so that we can build a fashion industry that works for everyone” says Lauren Rees Communications Coordinator at Fashion Revolution. This would mean “increased supply chain transparency, fair and equal pay for all and being inclusive whilst conserving and restoring nature.”
Throughout the week, The Fashion Revolution will be hosting workshops teaching you the skills to take action – valuable communication, community building, advocacy and education skills, making it the perfect opportunity to connect with your local community and get inspired for future events, projects and campaigns.
“There is an incredible amount of online and in-person events taking place including workshops, panel discussions, clothes swaps, fashion shows and film screenings, all designed to educate and inspire the next generation of fashion activists” according to Watt.
Some highlights include the ‘How to be a Campaigner’ virtual interactive workshop on 17th and 19th April, which shares insights from past campaigns and coaches you through designing your own. The ‘How to be a Storyteller’ workshop, taking place on 16th and 23rd April, breaks down the ingredients behind every good story, combining global case studies with creative prompts.
Whether you are a student, brand or simply somebody who believes in fighting for an ethical, safe fashion industry, Fashion Revolution Week is a great way to join the campaign for reform. From connecting in to learning new skills, there is much to offer at this year’s week-long event.
Imagery Courtesy of Fashion Revolution.
