MY ETHICAL WARDROBE

As the rallying cry for sustainability and human rights in fashion grows, six style savants weigh in on creating a kinder wardrobe.

- Ambika Anand

On April 24, 2013, the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which housed five garment factories, killed 1,132 people and injured over 2,500. This disaster woke up the world to the poor labor conditions faced by garment workers in Bangladesh. In the years proceeding it, there has been an awakening amongst consumers, across the world, to ask questions regarding the importance of ethicality in production, and to create a more conscious wardrobe for themselves...one that matches their moral standards and the desire for sustainability.

Kriti Tula, Creative Director of homegrown, upcycling brand Doodalage met with Orsola de Castro, founder of the #whomademyclothes movement, to discuss the importance of accountability. Kriti says, “The movement played an important role in connecting consumers in the west with how and where their clothes are being produced, and who is making them. The fashion revolution started their India chapter only recently, bringing these questions to the forefront.”

Building a kinder wardrobe requires mindful choices, with recycled fabrics or mono materials that are easier to recycle and decompose. Speaking with Bazaar, Deepshikha Khanna, Creative Director, Good Earth FLOW shares her views: “My advice has always been to invest in outfits that are classic in design, made with exceptional-quality fabric, and that fit well. While that may come with a price tag, the piece will last you much longer and give you more joy.’