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I was recently looking for something to add to my wardrobe, which led me to peruse the ethical brands page. As I clicked along, I found a few brands no longer doing business. This always brings me a twinge of sadness + curiosity. Is this closure a planned, joyous end to a lovely chapter in their lives, or is it a final defeat in what has been a long line of crippling blows? Of course, there could be aspects of both involved.
Tonle's founder shared this in her business closing announcement, "In short, we've been fighting against the grain of a capitalist system which is not designed for mutual thriving. We had hoped to challenge these systems from within, and have done so in many ways to a certain extent. But we have not been able to be financially sustainable for quite some time, despite having an incredibly supportive customer base."
It is not encouraging to hear this. It can feel like we are on an upward trajectory, when we see long lists of ethical brands, books on sustainable wardrobes + become part of communities that value fair fashion. It's hard to know if the fact that the United Nations is taking up the cause is reason to celebrate or be discouraged about the dire state of the worldwide fashion industry.
We can be sure that there is much work still to be done in order to give fashion any semblance of sustainability for people or planet. But...there are those who are moving the needle ever so slightly: farmers growing organic crops, garment workers who organize + people who endeavor to start ethical brands to name a few.
I am so grateful for the intense effort + unwavering principles ethical fashion brands bring to their work. I appreciate what they have been able to share with all of us, whether we wear the clothing they produce or benefit from the inspiration + ideas they set in motion.
Thank you, Miranda Bennett, for showing us that the simplest of shapes can be both extremely flattering + supremely comfortable...for using the most luxurious (+ durable) fabrics...and for committing to plant dyes!
Thank you, Tonle, for embracing the beauty of remnant fabric + championing fair labor in Cambodia!
Thank you, WVN + Synergy Organic Clothing, for being committed to fair-trade certified labor and GOTS certified organic cotton.
Thank you MaraisUSA + Zuzii for making beautiful footwear in the USA + Osborn for creating footwear fairly in Guatemala with artisan-made textiles + leather.
Each one of these brands has shown us (humans who wear clothes) + the industry that better is possible. I truly hope that these skilled teams of creators, contributors, growers + makers feel appreciated + celebrated!
Love,
Jane
Click lovely photos for links to origins.
Tonle's founder shared this in her business closing announcement, "In short, we've been fighting against the grain of a capitalist system which is not designed for mutual thriving. We had hoped to challenge these systems from within, and have done so in many ways to a certain extent. But we have not been able to be financially sustainable for quite some time, despite having an incredibly supportive customer base."
It is not encouraging to hear this. It can feel like we are on an upward trajectory, when we see long lists of ethical brands, books on sustainable wardrobes + become part of communities that value fair fashion. It's hard to know if the fact that the United Nations is taking up the cause is reason to celebrate or be discouraged about the dire state of the worldwide fashion industry.
We can be sure that there is much work still to be done in order to give fashion any semblance of sustainability for people or planet. But...there are those who are moving the needle ever so slightly: farmers growing organic crops, garment workers who organize + people who endeavor to start ethical brands to name a few.
I am so grateful for the intense effort + unwavering principles ethical fashion brands bring to their work. I appreciate what they have been able to share with all of us, whether we wear the clothing they produce or benefit from the inspiration + ideas they set in motion.
Thank you, Miranda Bennett, for showing us that the simplest of shapes can be both extremely flattering + supremely comfortable...for using the most luxurious (+ durable) fabrics...and for committing to plant dyes!
Thank you, Tonle, for embracing the beauty of remnant fabric + championing fair labor in Cambodia!
Thank you, WVN + Synergy Organic Clothing, for being committed to fair-trade certified labor and GOTS certified organic cotton.
Thank you MaraisUSA + Zuzii for making beautiful footwear in the USA + Osborn for creating footwear fairly in Guatemala with artisan-made textiles + leather.
Each one of these brands has shown us (humans who wear clothes) + the industry that better is possible. I truly hope that these skilled teams of creators, contributors, growers + makers feel appreciated + celebrated!
Love,
Jane
Click lovely photos for links to origins.
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