Ethical fashion: What it Means and Why it Matters

As women we all love dressing up and wanting to look our best. We put in a lot of thought into the look - color, style, accessories etc. But do we know if the dress was ethically made? We are so caught in the cycle of fast fashion that almost no thought goes into who made our clothes.

On April 24 2013 the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh collapsed and devastated the lives of thousands of garment workers. The building housed factories that manufactured garments for retail giants in North America and Europe. The aftermath of the tragedy drew attention to the unsafe spaces where garment workers spent most of their day.

The fashion industry needs conscious consumers who are mindful of their choices. How to tell if a fashion brand is ethical and not greenwashing or producing items in a sweatshop? Here is a small guide that can help you assess 

1. Follow the brand on social media
2. Look for certifications if any
3. Ask the brand specific questions
   • Where are your products made and in what conditions
   • How do you ensure worker safety
   • Do you advocate gender equality
   • Do you stand up against child labour
   • Do you pay a fair living wage
   • Are the products cruelty free 

 As a purpose driven enterprise Ethical fashion to us is being able to design and create lifestyle products without harming human lives and animals. All our textiles are handwoven by traditional craftspeople in serene villages across India. They are then designed and reinterpreted into lifestyle products in Mumbai. We are Craftmark Certified and PETA Approved which indicates that our products are ethically and sustainably made. Know more about our artisan partners here.