The main goal of Fashion Revolution is to make the invisible visible by publicising the exploitation of workers, cultures and the environment! As part of this movement, the mission of Fashion Revolution Netherlands is to help people realise that they have the power to create change by demanding a fair, ethical and sustainable fashion industry! Fashion Revolution Netherlands works on three main pillars.
Pillar 1 - The exploitation of garment workers
The majority of garment workers (mostly women aged 18-24) live in poverty unable to earn enough to support themselves or their families. Not only are they paid incredibly low wages they also have to face unsafe working conditions. Fashion Revolution NL wants to make buyers aware of the consequences of their fashion choices. We raise awareness about the exploitation of garment workers by asking the question, Who made my clothes?
Pillar 2 - The exploitation of the environment
Our throwaway culture is responsible for a lot of environmental harm. The current system known as the take, make and dispose model uses a lot of natural resources and creates heaps of pollution and waste. We need to change this to protect communities around the world from the impacts of climate change.
Pillar 3 - Power imbalances and the injustices of colonialism
The legacy of colonialism and the power imbalances it has created are still woven into the global fashion thread. We raise awareness about how history is still causing harm today. Topics of conversation are for example Cultural Appreciation vs Cultural Appropriation and understanding the creative process to examine how minority cultures are exploited by global brands. There needs to be greater transparency and accountability across the fashion system to ensure people are treated fairly and given credit and ownership. Whose idea is it and who gets the credit and the financial benefits? How can we create a fairer fashion system that empowers and protects producers, makers and designers?