When shopping for new items of clothing, do you ever ask yourself, “Who made my clothes?” Or when sewing a new garment, do you ever ask yourself, “Who made my fabric?” On April 24, 2013, the leaders behind Fashion Revolution were compelled to ask themselves these questions after 1138 people were killed and many more injured in the tragic Rana Plaza factory collapse. They grew a global movement focused on fashion industry transparency that asked important questions, ones which can often get overlooked. On the 6th anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse, we spoke to Fashion Revolution about how you can be more action oriented and solution focused to make a positive impact on the fashion industry.
(Note: While this interview is from 2019, some photos and links have been updated for 2024.)
Making a Positive Impact with Fashion Revolution
What is Fashion Revolution?
Fashion Revolution: Fashion Revolution is a global movement calling for greater transparency, sustainability and ethics in the fashion industry. We want to unite the fashion industry and ignite a revolution to radically change the way our clothes are sourced, produced and purchased, so that what the world wears has been made in a safe, clean and fair way.
How has Fashion Revolution changed the fashion industry?
FR: Fashion Revolution has galvanized makers and doers to become more actively engaged in the way clothing is made. People now ask #WhoMadeMyClothes in stronger numbers than ever before, highlighting the need for more transparency and ethical practices within the industry that is so wide reaching in its effects. Opening up this call to action has ignited real change with brands, companies and more, proving that these issues are of critical importance to consumers.
Why is it important to ask the question “Who made my clothes?”
FR: The power is with the people. The more individuals who become involved and ask #WhoMadeMyClothes really shows the pressure on brands and companies to be more transparent about their supply chains, manufacturing, treatment of workers, environmental impact and more. These have real effects—brands are changing. Our Fashion Transparency Index, published each year during Fashion Revolution Week, ranks top global brands on their transparency measures. We look forward to its release this year to see the positive steps that brands are implementing.
How can someone become involved in Fashion Revolution and Fashion Revolution Week?
FR: There are so many ways to get involved! With online resources like our downloadable posters and graphics, templates for postcards to write to policymakers and more, our website, fashionrevolution.org, is a wealth of information. For Fashion Revolution Week specifically there are so many events going on across the globe—and so many opportunities to host one, too! Check out our Fashion Revolution USA page for more information on how to get involved here in United States. (For additional information on our work in other countries, see the Find Your Country page.)
What tips would you give to someone interested in taking a more sustainable approach to their wardrobe?
FR: The best advice once shared with me is, “You don’t have to do it alone!” This is a strong and growing movement with so many different resources at your fingertips including how-to guides, step-by-step tips and tricks and more from a wide array of individuals.
What is one thing someone can do each day to make an impact on the fashion industry?
FR: Be more curious and never be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to make small changes—like wearing clothes longer, purchasing clothing packaged in little to no plastic and more—they all add up to lasting change!
The email subject line was “How we source and make our products”, but instead of learning how spoonflower does it, I found myself reading how I might do it. So that leads me to a question. Where do I go on the site to find out where spoonflower sources their fabric from? There are countries doing much harm to their own citizens, and I don’t want to be encouraging buyers to keep those governments running.
Hi Marilynn!
Country of origin can be found on the Fabric Details section of each of our material pages. We have a supplier vetting process and we also engage existing suppliers on environmental, social, and ethical topics annually. Our amazing supply partners participate willingly. If you have any questions about a specific material, you can contact [email protected].
Best,
Betsy
Spoonflower
I feel that we are all capable of change and as a conscious consumer i make handmade Dog accessories. I felt that the changes i was making in my life should also be reflected in my lifestyle as a whole. which is why i started a Vegan and Sustainable dog accessory business. I hand sew all my products from my own home, with passion and care. Knowing i am being careful about what strain i put on Mother Earth. I totally agree with you that the fashion resolution must begin NOW!
My mother always told me that if you can not afford to follow fashion
Then you LEAD it.
I am from Bangladesh and this post has really touched me specially when Rana plaza was mentioned. I still remember how we all were shaken by the news that day. There is a sculpture at the site of collapse currently. I would really love to join this cause and I am willing to do any help in this regards.
Hi Shawlin,
Thank you for your message. There are so many ways you can honor the lives lost in the Rana Plaza collapse with the help of Fashion Revolution. If you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to take a look at the Take Action page to learn more. – Meredith from Spoonflower
This is great. I am proud to say that 85% of what I wear lately is made by me.
Can you, Spoonflower, please tell us “Who makes your fabric?”
Hi Michelle,
Thanks so much for asking this important question! Our fabrics are produced exclusively at fabric mills that have the same values in social responsibility, sustainability, and environmental impact as we do here at Spoonflower. We currently have long term partnerships with mills in the United States, Europe, and Asia. If you have any other questions, please send us a message at [email protected] -Meredith from Spoonflower
What fabric did Gina use for Fable Floral Black ? Thanks so much
Hi Ginger,
Gina is wearing Spoonflower’s Chiffon. I hope that helps, but if you have any more questions don’t hesitate to ask! – Meredith from Spoonflower