This week is Fashion Revolution Week. Fashion Revolution was founded in the wake of the tragic Rana Plaza garment factory collapse back in 2013, and is an "annual campaign bringing together the world’s largest fashion activism movement for seven days of action".
If you’ve followed for a while, you'll know how important it is to me to be part of the change in creating a more conscious and sustainable clothing industry, both locally and internationally. Being transparent and thoughtful isn’t a one week in a year sort of thing but rather has been a part of my daily practice for a long time, both within my business, and personally. I intentionally run HB Archive with the same values I hold as a consumer.
This goes beyond clothes – I try to think big picture and circular about how things come to be for all aspects within my life;
When choosing to bring something into my home, I am not opposed to items made off-shore. I do however, try when possible to make sure that the workers within factories are being paid and treated fairly. I read bios, and send emails asking when I can’t find the information. I check labels for fibre content, feel the quality in real life if possible, and try to source second hand before buying from a website. I think about the overall environmental impact including virgin materials to make, packaging, and hidden transport costs with shipping, especially from overseas - the list goes on.
As a business owner, I am very proud to have the opportunity and platform to always share my values;
There are Transparency Breakdowns on every garments’ page, I regularly share my making processes through Instagram reels. There’s tips and tricks for building a thoughtful wardrobe on the web journal and I often touch upon topics within my monthly Newsletter, and weekly Substack.
To read more across the HB world check out –
Caring for your garments
HB Archive fabrics and care
A Week of Circular Thinking
You may also enjoy the following Pocket Conversations –
Anna of Francie Part 1 thoughts on the current state of local industry, Part 2 on actioning a life aligned to your values and Part 3 building a capsule wardrobe.
Guy of Dempstah Part 1 on gaining an insight into China's manufacturing industry and Part 2 discussing assumptions of scaling and ideas of success.
Luka of Luka Rey Part 1 more on local industry and Part 2 designing with versatility in mind.
HB Archive is a slow project where I will continue to learn, year in and year out and share with you my findings, growing together. Thanks for being part of it.
