Natalie Walters, Head of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) writes:
London Fashion Week took place from 15 – 19 September 2023, and as seen with various fashion weeks across the world – celebrities, designers and the fashion focused, look at the designers’ offerings of art and expression. The trends therein soon trickle down into our high street and online retailers.
Over the years shows like The Great British Sewing Bee has got the nation thinking more about garment creation. However, whether we are all in fashion influencers or those who just look for that item that matches with black or doesn’t need ironing we are all stakeholders in the clothing industry.
The rate of fast changing trends namely fast fashion and the big retailers trying to beat each other on price, has had a huge impact on the world’s most vulnerable. Various strands of this are poor labour conditions and human trafficking or those falsely promised better life opportunities, but who end up exploited. The fashion industry also generates high C02 emissions.
In recent years, we have seen the terrible incidents of clothing factory collapses in Bangladesh which have caused death and devastation, child labour concerns as well as poor labour conditions including factories in the UK.
Why is it important for us as Christians?
We have a duty of care to ensure that we are not contributing to modern day slavery or unethical practices. The many faces may be invisible to us but not to God. They are made in the image of God, and we are called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. Proverbs 31:8-9
Everyone loves a bargain, and our clothes are a great way to express ourselves or show our personality but let us always ask ourselves the true cost of fashion.
What could we do?
- As a church explore and raise awareness of Modern Day Slavery and the signs- great information is found at https://theclewerinitiative.org/
- Advocate for fair pay and better conditions both here and abroad
- Seek to support ethical clothing brands
- Recycle or upcycle clothing
- Donate any unwanted but in good condition clothes to charities or refugee centres, give to those in need locally or send to relief efforts
- If you are a creative, see how you can use discarded clothes as activism; create artwork or recycled based fashion and maybe place your art in a prominent place in your church to remind people to pray or act. Or if you have a church sewing group you make patchwork blankets for those in need
- Hold a community bring ang buy sale or fundraising
- Do a great fashion fast- though this took place last year it is still a great way to get youth involved and either raise some funds or a group challenge. https://www.tearfund.org/campaigns/join-the-great-fashion-fast
Whatever you do, take time to consider the cost!
