Fashion Revolution Week COVID 19 Edition

Have you ever heard of shoplifting? Of course you have, but what about shop-drop? Shop-drop is a covert mission that gives versus than takes. The project was designed in partnership with the Fashion Revolution campaign and Sarah Corbett’s Mini Fashion Statement Kit which raises issues about fast fashion’s rapid pace of garment production, unsafe garment working conditions and the waste and pollution caused by the apparel industry.

The central idea is to hide political messages inside new clothing found in fast fashion brands retail stores. This can be done by slipping folded notes or scrolls in garments. Since Fashion Revolution Week is coming up. I thought I would provide a COVID19 edition of this campaign.

Obviously, based on advice to stay inside and since most shops are closed, it is not realistic to slip political messages in clothing at this very moment. However, you can do the following to engage in “quiet” activism. This sort of activism does not require you to be bold, loud or confrontational. Instead, it allows you to engage in silent, contemplative action that will effectively send a message that there are issues in the fashion industry that need to be addressed and resolved.

1. Send mass emails to fast fashion brands inquiring about their supply chain management.

This is an easy and manageable idea if you have excess time and internet access. It can allow you to learn how companies handle inquiries on underlying issues in their supply chain and gauge how transparent they are.

The following is an email template inspired by Eco Warrior Princess:

Dear Human Resources at X company,

I am inquiring about the working conditions of the factories that made my [insert product type]. I would like to learn more about the environmental and social impact of my purchase. As one of your customers, I want to make sure my [product purchased] was made under ethical working conditions where workers were treated well and paid a fair living wage.

I purchased [ product ] last year and wasn't able to find any information online about where all its materials were made and how sustainability was incorporated. I would like to know if there are any codes of conduct or ethics policy in [ X company]. Also, how are manufacturing factories audited ? What information can you send me that ensures that this product was not made in sweatshops or from child labor?

I know that the [ product] says that it was made in China, but I would like to know more about its origins and the conditions it was produced in.

I look forward to learning more about this product. Thank you very much!!

Sincerely,

First and Last Name

Title

Phone Number

2.Engage in digital campaigning.

Pressure brands digitally by posting photos on social media that demands them to be socially responsible. Remake has recently launched the #PayUp online petition that calls all major fashion brands in paying their garment factories for their canceled and delayed orders because of COVID-19. They owe more than $3 billion dollars to factories around the world. The top twelve brands that need to #payup includes: Gap, Primark, C&A, Mothercare, Bestseller, Tesco, Kohls, Walmart, LPP, JCPenney, American Eagle Outfitters and URBN. Sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/unless-target-zara-walmart-c-a-jc-penney-payup-millions-of-garment-makers-will-go-hungry

3.Take up a challenge.

Take up the 5x5 Challenge. All you need is 5 garments, 5 outfits, 5 days.

To participate, go to your closet and choose five items of clothing that you will want to combine in five different outfits for five days. From April 20-24, post one outfit each day for Fashion Revolution Week on your social media accounts. Make sure to use the hashtags #FashionRevolution2020 and #AIBI5x5Challenge and tag @aibichicago to let us know.

Make sure to follow @aibichicago on Instagram and like The Apparel Industry Board, Inc on Facebook to get their updates and special guest blog posts.

The following is if you need want even more of a challenge:

Choose 1 or more garments that are from a brand that is sustainable, ethically sourced, and/or fair wage focused. Tag them too.

Choose 1 or more garments that are from a local small business or designer. Tag them too.

Tag one of your friends with the phrase “I 5x5 Challenge you!” and see if they can live up to the pressure :)