Fashion Revolution Day #whomademyclothes
Friday 24th April marks two year since 1,133 people lost their lives when a factory collapsed in Bangladesh. Another 2,400 were injured. The workers that were killed were making clothes for a number of very well-known brands. This horrific accident caused people to stop and think who actually makes the clothes they wear - and what conditions they might work in.
For the second year running, Fashion Revolution Day – on the anniversary of the disaster – will see tens of thousands of people commemorate the event in the hope of bringing about increased transparency in fashion’s supply chain.
Here at Ayten Gasson I have always tried to source ethically and from the UK. All our lingerie is made in this country – much of it in our Brighton studio – and I am passionate about making it impossible for events like the Bangladesh disaster to ever happen again.
I learnt how to design and sew from my mother – and she learnt from her mother before that – and I believe that we should be doing everything we can to keep these skills and knowledge alive – and passing it on to the next generation. I started my business after witnessing the sad demise of UK industry with thousands of people – including members of my own family - losing their jobs in the process.
I am proud to say that everything we produce is made in the UK but I understand that not everyone can afford to do that. I also personally understand how difficult it is to always buy so ethically. Budgets, family responsibilities and life in general mean that you can’t always shop the way you would like to. But just having a few items of locally, ethically sourced garments in your wardrobe is a start.
If we all try and make an effort with our shopping habits then hopefully disasters like the one that happened in Bangladesh two years ago will never happen again.
That is why I’m supporting Fashion Revolution Day.
