Who Made My Clothes ?
The Who Made My Clothes movement brings much-needed transparency to the supply chains of the global fashion industry.
Created by Fashion Revolution founders Carry Somers and Orsola de Castro, #WhoMadeMyClothes highlights the disconnect between the clothes we wear and the places (factories, markets, homes, villages) and people (garment-workers, artisans) that made them. Over time, #WhoMadeMyClothes has gained international support and prominence.
For Fashion Revolution Week 2024, the British Asian Trust and partner Kaarvan Crafts Foundation participated in the #WhoMadeMyClothes movement.
For craft to be both viable and sustainable, a re-evaluation of our approach is essential. The #WhoMadeMyClothes movement advocates for transparency as the cornerstone of bringing value and recognition to the numerous skilled artisans operating within small-scale local production and global fashion supply chains. Transparency unveils the artisan, the processes, and the craft itself.
Participating in #WhoMadeMyClothes, Kaarvan captured artisans from marginalised communities with the backdrop of markets where they purchase raw materials highlighting their contribution to cultural heritage and craft skills.
Our livelihoods work with Kaarvan is not just about skilling, business development, and market linkages. Opportunities like these to support women entrepreneurs, especially from marginalised communities, in being able to own their skills and space in the global fashion world is a fantastic byproduct. Being recognised for their craft instead of being faceless hands stitching in the shadows, allows them to gain confidence in not just their skills but also themselves.
By Mashal Khan, Head of Strategic Communications, Learning Sharing Innovation Department, Kaarvan Crafts Foundation
