three years ago today rana plaza collapsed in dhaka, bangladesh killing 1130 and injuring 2500 people forced inside just that morning, after noting cracks in the building...a building where they made clothing for stores we recognize. in response to this tragedy and the further knowledge that brands are not being held accountable for their abhorrent practices, people are choosing transparent supply chains and sustainable materials. we are choosing less.
today, we can take a moment to remember those who died serving us. if they were not making an item of clothing that we would have bought, they are representative of those who have inevitably served us by stitching our t-shirts, underwear, jeans and jackets. we can honor them by being thoughtful about what we choose to purchase in the future and by wearing what we have longer.
businesses will note the change in where our dollars are spent. our wishes are being heard already. five years ago, it was nearly impossible to find a business with a responsibility or sustainability statement. today many brands have one (scroll to the bottom of their websites and look at the fine print). these statements leave some gaping holes, but the companies are understanding that their customers are increasingly curious about who is making their clothing. let's keep the pressure on for further accountability...and maybe spend our dollars a bit differently.
i thought i'd share a few of the outfits i am wearing this month from my 10 items of clothing (plus 2 pairs of shoes). above is a pair of thrifted jeans + a fair-trade pact tank + taylor stitch tee made in california.
today, we can take a moment to remember those who died serving us. if they were not making an item of clothing that we would have bought, they are representative of those who have inevitably served us by stitching our t-shirts, underwear, jeans and jackets. we can honor them by being thoughtful about what we choose to purchase in the future and by wearing what we have longer.
businesses will note the change in where our dollars are spent. our wishes are being heard already. five years ago, it was nearly impossible to find a business with a responsibility or sustainability statement. today many brands have one (scroll to the bottom of their websites and look at the fine print). these statements leave some gaping holes, but the companies are understanding that their customers are increasingly curious about who is making their clothing. let's keep the pressure on for further accountability...and maybe spend our dollars a bit differently.
i thought i'd share a few of the outfits i am wearing this month from my 10 items of clothing (plus 2 pairs of shoes). above is a pair of thrifted jeans + a fair-trade pact tank + taylor stitch tee made in california.
extending my love for this madewell button-down with added stitches + an eileen fisher thrifted dress that was made in the usa + my well-loved timex watch.
my moth eaten j.crew cardigan...still feeling the love + handmade jumpsuit made with a pattern by an independent designer.
here are those thrifted levis again + a handmade top made with my own pattern + trusty timex.
maybe my favorite item: a black crane jumpsuit, fabric and construction made in the usa + a transparently made everlane tee
i don't share these outfits to put myself forth as any sort of exemplary human. these are just my clothes. i share to prod myself into being held accountable...to provide one approach to a simple, conscious wardrobe. i am nowhere near perfect...just trying to be aware... one choice at a time. there are pieces here which have questionable origins. it would not be better to donate them and fill their spaces with "ethical" pieces. i purchased those pieces and now i need to value them and their makers as best i can. that doesn't mean that i need to keep them forever, but i am responsible for finding the best path to reuse that i can when i do let them go.
it's sobering... and also an honor to be able to consider who made my clothes. i am grateful for the opportunity to be one of the ones able to make that choice.
love,
jane
i don't share these outfits to put myself forth as any sort of exemplary human. these are just my clothes. i share to prod myself into being held accountable...to provide one approach to a simple, conscious wardrobe. i am nowhere near perfect...just trying to be aware... one choice at a time. there are pieces here which have questionable origins. it would not be better to donate them and fill their spaces with "ethical" pieces. i purchased those pieces and now i need to value them and their makers as best i can. that doesn't mean that i need to keep them forever, but i am responsible for finding the best path to reuse that i can when i do let them go.
it's sobering... and also an honor to be able to consider who made my clothes. i am grateful for the opportunity to be one of the ones able to make that choice.
love,
jane
