A little Pledging - Folke Byron Bay

Australian made, unfortunately its not as common as it should be in the fashion industry. Although we do have brands such as Cue, Gorman and Manning Cartel that are utilizing the local talent pool and ensuring that their brands are not costing the earth or humanity, but these brands don't cater to everyone's tastes and requirements. This is where the sweatshop fast fashion garments come in to play and bulk up the fashion industry, fill the gap in terms of cheap t-shirts and jeans.  

We would like to introduce the folk of Byron Bay, literally, the up and coming organic clothing brand Folke are bringing local, organic and all round ethical t-shirts to us ethical fashion enthusiasts. This brand holds tightly to the ethical production and manufacturing standards that many disregard. They believe in 'fashion karma' which goes without saying that these fashion conscious few know how to fashion, ethically!. The design ethos is simple, a natural casual style emulating the beautiful region and community of Byron Bay. These t-shirts are 100% organic cotton, 100% organic ink and 100% sweatshop free manufacturing.

As this brand is just starting up a pledge fund has been created to assist in raising the funds to manufacture the 'forever free' t-shirt at a sweatshop free factory located in Sydney. So if you want a feel good Folke tee or just some more info on this great new brand follow this link, pledge and as they say bring your fashion karma back to base.

Folke - Byron Bay

Fashion Revolution - For the Love of Fashion

What are you wearing? Check the Label. Is it from China, India Bangladesh, Thailand? Have you ever just thought about where your clothes were made and who made them?

A tragic incident occurred on April 24th 2013 in Dahka Bangladesh, which is two years ago today. A clothes manufacturing building known as Rana Plaza collapsed killing and injuring thousands. Many of you would have heard of this heartbreaking event, seen it on the news, or read it in the paper for a short while and then nothing, until the anniversary last year. As a result of this tragic incident a global initiative began called Fashion Revolution, who chose to challenge society on a global scale to check where your clothes were made and who made them. They developed the #insideout campaign that encourages people to turn their clothes inside out and show your tag to the world. This particular campaign initiative really makes the issue of where your clothes were made a reality not just to the wearer, but to brands and businesses.

Fashion Revolution is a powerful movement that seeks to connect and reconnect people around the world through fashion. The fashion industry is still one of the most exploited industries in the world. It is also one of the industries that contributes greatly to the GDP(Gross Domestic Product AKA revenue) of many countries across the globe. This is what really causes concern as it is one of the most important GDP providers in these countries. If an industry is a sizeable part of the nations interests, why would you not care for it, improve it and make it sustainable for the future? So why is it not a priority in many of these governments?

Since the disaster, human rights organisations and workers unions have campaigned for better work practices in Bangladesh and other manufacturing nations, they have urged businesses and brands to improve conditions and wages for workers. Many brands using this manufacturing plant specifically have signed an the 'Accord on Fire and Building safety in Bangladesh, which is a legally binding contract that allows for impromptu inspections and an increase in safety measures for the building. This is a start and many of us campaigners should be proud of the progress that has been done.  

Fashion Revolution is just what this industry needs, a revolution in the way clothes are made and a revolution in the way fast fashion is consumed and appreciated in society. So turn your clothes inside out and #whomademyclothes or #insideout. Its up to us fashion lovers to make the change and show just how much us as consumers want this change.

For more info on Fashion Revolution, the Rana Plaza building or how to get involved head to www.fashionrevolution.org or use the #whomademyclothes or #fashrev on your Instagram. Also check http://www.cleanclothes.org/ranaplaza for brands that still need to improve their standards for manufacturing.

'Buy less, choose well, make it last'

‘Buy Less, choose well, make it last’

-        Vivienne Westwood

Image from kOOii

 We have come to the decision that our first post topic will be short and sweet and give a little insight as to the reason why we are here and the words we live by. ‘Buy less, choose well, make it last’ are words from fashion designer Vivienne Westwood the renowned designer who has made remarkable changes to her own design ethos and brand. These words mean something to us here at IFA, our philosophy is largely based on those words as changes to the world of fashion start with the choices we make as consumers.
An ethical consumer is someone who thinks before they buy. It's not just the brand that makes you an ethical consumer but also the logic behind the purchase like what and why your buying the product in the first place. 

There is no denying that buying ethically or even responsibly is a costly exercise as many brands that are ethically made or use environmentally sustainable materials have a slightly higher price tag, but it is important to remember that being a conscious consumer is not just about buying specific brands but also choosing when to buy something and why.
 

As consumers we have the power to decide how the products we love get made, what materials are used and also the conditions in which they are made. Simone Ciprione founder of ITC Ethical Fashion Initiative states ". . . consumers are king, You can engage, as consumers to ask the stories behind the product and people will start getting the stories right". There is increasing awareness of these issues and more and more initiatives and charities are becoming involved in the textiles industry.

We hope that this site will help you guys find the best fashion brands and support the charities that are really working hard to make the changes that need to happen to the fashion industry.

We wanted to make this post short and sweet so please stay tuned for more updates from the ethical fashion scene and our monthly brand audits, where we present to you our favorite brand of the month! 

Please feel free to comment, email or tag us on Instagram at @independentfashionaudit if you have ideas or opinions on ethical and sustainable fashion we would love to hear from you!

until next time . . . IFA : )