Fashion Revolution Week in Sydney, Australia. It’s time to ask Who Made Our Clothes.

The Altruistic Traveller is not only a blog about responsible tourism, but also a blog about ways that we can bring ethics and social responsibility into all aspects of our daily lives, including in the clothes that we wear.

Fashion Revolution Week is fast approaching and for those of you who don’t know much about this significant event, it is a week where we talk about a Fashion Revolution. That is, a revolution that sees to end slavery and human rights violation in the fast fashion industry. And yes.. I just used the word slavery…

The ILO estimates that 170 million are engaged in child labour, with many making textiles and garments to satisfy the demand of consumers in Europe, the US, and beyond – (http://www.ilo.org/)

Fast fashion is everywhere, and as hopeful as I have been in recent years for a decline in fast fashion, the industry doesn’t seem to be slowing down. People are still expecting more clothes at cheaper prices.

This video below is a startling indication of everything wrong with our current consumer mindset.

The 2 Euro T-Shirt Experiment

The good news is that the Fashion Revolution is growing. Last year 2 million people across the world got involved. Over 100,000 people used social media to ask the brands they wear #whomademyclothes.

This has resulted in stronger pressure for big brands to be more transparent about their supply chains.

This topic is very close to my heart, especially after meeting Nasreen Sheikh in Nepal last year and co-founding LOCWOM Australia, a social enterprise that aims to promote fair trade in Australia and support women’s economic development in Nepal.

I want us all to get on board and start supporting ethical fashion brands, whether it’s in the area of fair trade or sustainability.

So for all my fellow Sydneysiders, here are a list of events that you can get involved in during Fashion Revolution Week.

Fashion Revolution Week April 23rd to April 29th

RIVER BLUE SCREENING & DISCUSSION

April 21 @ 6:00pm – 8:30pm

Jivamukti Yoga Sydney, Newtown

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MENDING & MEANING. FASHIONING A REVOLUTION

April 24 @ 6:00pm – 8:30pm

Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability, Waverton

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THE TRUE COST MOVIE SCREENING

April 26 @ 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Zenith Theatre, Chatswood

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AN EVENING OF FEMALE ETHICAL FASHION DESIGNERS IN CONVERSATION + CURATED FASHION MARKET

April 27 @ 6:30 pm – 11:30 pm

The Sheds, Marrickville

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SUSTAINABLE FASHION TOUR

April 28 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

142 Addison Road, Sydney, 2204

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