Good Lord Faye

So,

Well…

Now seems as good a time as any to discuss the ways in which supporting a fairer fashion industry is a feminist act that could have widespread repercussions on systems we’re all* feeling quite let down by at the moment.

How is fashion political? And how is fair fashion an issue for feminists to concern themselves with?

According to Fashion Revolution, women account for approximately 70% of the global fashion workforce. However (and here we go with something that may not be wildly surprising but still deals a blow), women hold less than 25% of leadership positions in major fashion companies. Furthermore, 80% of garment workers are women.

The stitches on the top you’re wearing right now, the buttons on the jeans you wore to the store today, and the collar you pulled out from under the neck of your sweater- they were all very likely touched by the hands of a woman. And unless you purchased that piece direct from the maker, the woman was likely producing that garment far away from where you live.

So then we get to the bit that always hits me hardest. It’s the question of how much that woman was paid to create that garment. Expand that to include a question of what her working conditions looked like. Does she get breaks? Is she paid for those breaks? Is she paid by the hour or by the garment? Is there adequate lighting; are exits clearly marked; if there’s an injury on-site is she attended to and compensated?

If you don’t feel comfortable with “no” being the answer to any of those questions, then you may just be ready to learn more about fair fashion.

It’s incredibly easy to feel overwhelmed by the darkness that exists within so many avenues of fashion, and especially within fast fashion. Is it all doom and gloom though? No, it isn’t and thank goodness for that. What inspires me and gives me hope for change is the action of many, many feminists who have been demanding that the industry do more to protect, fairly compensate, and empower women garment workers and employees.

I’m also inspired by customers who are making those same demands with their wallet. I wish that I could say I’ve seen a significant change in customer behavior over the last few years, or even since I launched my own brand almost ten years ago. But we’re not acting in the volumes we need to. Small, ethical businesses are closing by the handful each day – and guess who’s behind most of them? Women.

I’m here to steer you in a good direction and I aim to share some brands I support who are doing good things in the coming blog or blogs. Until then, start exploring brands doing the work, women-led businesses, and check out community-led events where I guarantee you many of the vendors present will be badass women worthy of supporting.

K that’s all for now, xoxo.