7 Ways to Join the 'Fashion Revolution' in the Bay Area
If you've been on the 'gram this week, you've probably seen the hashtag #whomademyclothes. You can thank Fashion Revolution, a three-year-old non-profit working to change the way clothes are sourced, produced and consumed.
The group kicked off its Fashion Revolution Week on April 24— the fourth anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse, which killed 1138 people. The goal is to encourage consumers to ask questions about how their clothes are made, and to compel brands to be transparent about their manufacturing process. The more consumers demand accountability, the more brands will have to step up to make fashion manufacturing safe, clean, and fair.
Fashion Revolution Week includes events across the globe, including a few here in the Bay Area.
- Fashion Revolution's Night Out San Francisco. Wednesday, April 26, 7–9 pm, Hayes Valley. Similar to NYC's Fashion's Night Out, the evening will be filled with shopping, drinks, giveaways and discounts. The event exclusively illuminates ethical and sustainable stores, like Timbuk2, Amour Vert, and Marine Layer.
- Fashion Revolution Party. Wednesday, April 26, 6–8 pm, Cuyana (291 Geary Stree #201). A partnership between Remake, Cuyana and Soko Jewelry, this is a celebration of local brands who believe in creating collections with dignity and without waste. The event will feature an exhibition of the women who make the clothes, pre-monogrammed pieces from Cuyana's archived collections, and a curated selection of Soko's artisan-driven jewelry.
- Fashion Revolution's Night Out Oakland. Thursday, April 27, 7–9 pm, Uptown Oakland. A second FNO event. Join socially-responsible stores likes Two Jacks Denim and Field Day & Friends for even more sustainable shopping.
Fashion Revolution: In-House Production Discussion. Friday, April 28, 6–8 pm. It's possible to find ethically- and foreign-made clothing; just ask Les Lunes founder Anya Lecat. Lecat will host an open discussion on how brands can ethically manufacture high-quality products in China-based workshops.
Fashion Revolution Main Event. Friday, April 28, 6:30–9:30 pm. Timbuk2 (587 Shotwell Street). A wrap-up party featuring a panel of industry leaders, giveaways, a #whomademyclothes photobooth and more.
Upcycle/DIY Indigo and Shibori Class. Saturday, April 29, 11 am–4 pm, Walnut Creek Civic Park Community Center (1375 Civic Drive). Reduce textile waste and learn more about the garment dyeing process at this local workshop. The event includes an indigo dyeing overview and hands-on dyeing time.
#WhoMadeMyClothes Portrait Session. Saturday, April 29, 10 am–1 pm Silk Roll Studio (833 Market Street Suite 312). If you can't post it to Instagram, did it even happen? You'll have to wait to find out because Gavin Farrington, one of the city's top photogs, is shooting #whomademyclothes portraits. Register for a session online.
Even if you're not attending an event, use this week as an opportunity to consider how your clothes are made. (If you're really ready to get real, stream The True Cost on Netflix.) Fashion Revolution is building resources to share insight into fashion manufacturing and sourcing practices, including a downloadable fashion transparency index. To learn more, check out their website.