On April 24th 2013 in Bangladesh the biggest disaster in fashion history took place. Rana Plaza was an eight story building in Savar, at 9am the building completely collapsed killing over 1,100 people and seriously wounding thousands more, making this the deadliest garment incident in history.
Sohel Rana, a part of Bangladeshi political party Awamileague, built Rana Plaza in 2006. Just a day before the fateful collapse an engineer was brought to the garment building after loud sounds were herd. Upon a quick inspection the engineer saw large cracks throughout the building, and frantically alerted everyone to leave. Sohel Rana urged workers not to heed the warning and demanded they head back to work.
The building was constructing garments for many famous brands such as; Benetton, Joe Fresh, The Children’s Place, Wal-Mart, and Primark. The fact that well known and respected brands constructed clothing in an area that is known for poor working conditions sent a shock wave through the fashion industry. It wasn’t just the fact that the building collapsed causing over a thousand to die, it also brought light to the low wages that the workers are receiving.
Out of the horrendous tragedy came a call to arms. Those in the fashion industry had to take a look at what price their clothing is being made. That’s where Carry Somers comes in who is consider a pioneer in free trade fashion with her brand Pachacuti, which is recognized as one of the largest ethical brands on the market. Along with dozens of others, Somers created Fashion Revolution Day. Set for April 24th 2014, the day is aimed at celebrating the positives in fashion.
(photo via Panamas)
Fashion Revolution Day will be one day each year that brings light to those achieving great things in the industry big and small, and to help support clothing created safely and ethically. For the first ever Fashion Revolution Day the question will be “Who made your clothes?” The idea is to connect everyone involved with making a garment from the cotton farmers, to the designer/brand to the consumer. Most people have no idea where their clothes come from or who even made it. This is the day they ask that you explore your favorite garment and learn more about it. As stated on the site;
“Fashion is about relationships …Fashion Revolution Day is about reconnecting the relationship of fashion which has been broken down [and] needs to be reestablished”
Somers wants fashion lovers to be connected with who made their garments and hope that they were paid fair wages in workable conditions. Anyone can support Fashion Revolution Day by using social media. Sommers suggest wearing your clothing inside out and posting pictures via Facebook, Twitter, and instagram.
To learn more visit FashionRevolution.org or like the Facebook page
Will you be wearing your clothes inside out for the Fashion Revolution?
