Have you seen the hashtag #IMadeYourClothes or #WhoMadeYourClothes? I often tag my posts with it, as well as #IMadeYourBag. It’s a simple message, but it represents something much deeper that you might not be aware of.
On April 24, 2013, one of the deadliest industrial disasters in history occurred in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It happened at the Rana Plaza building, which housed several garment factories employing thousands of workers. Tragically, the building, which stood eight stories high, collapsed, resulting in the loss of more than 1,100 lives and injuring thousands of others. Most of the victims were garment workers, predominantly women, who were trapped in the wreckage.
Most clothes and accessories that are sold around the world are made in factories like this and the factory collapse exposed the hazardous and unsafe working conditions prevalent in the fashion industry. We often consider the materials that our garments are made from, but we don’t give much thought to overcrowded workplaces, poor building structures, inadequate safety measures, and the exploitation of workers.
I can’t imagine what it is like to work in one of these factories…the hours are long, the pay is minimal, and the wear and tear on your body is huge. Even in the best working conditions, I have to constantly manage how I work to ensure my body doesn’t pack it in because once the niggles turn into pain, I make more and more mistakes.
The ‘I Made Your Clothes’ campaign originated from a global movement called Fashion Revolution, which was founded in the United Kingdom. It sought to raise awareness and promote transparency in clothing production.
This campaign gained significant momentum worldwide, through the use of hashtags such as #IMadeYourClothes and #WhoMadeMyClothes. People share photos of their garments on social media, encouraging dialogue about the individuals involved in their creation.
Since its inception, the movement has expanded globally. Fashion Revolution has become a powerful platform for driving change, urging consumers to make informed choices and encouraging brands to prioritise social and environmental responsibility throughout their operations.
The Rana Plaza factory collapse remains a stark reminder of the human cost behind the clothes we wear and serves as a catalyst for ongoing advocacy and initiatives aimed at creating safer and more sustainable practices within the fashion industry.
We have the power to make change, and at Ella Jackson, I want to provide you with an opportunity to buy leather bags, clutches and aprons that have been made with love in a safe and transparent work environment. I am very grateful for Fashion Revolution and the incredible work they are doing to educate all of us.