This Black Friday through Cyber Monday, November 29th - December 2nd, Artisans & Adventurers has set out to do something a little different. As a brand that prioritises ethics and the quality of our products, we have decided to donate 5% of in-store and online sales in support of Fashion Revolution, a charity dedicated to tackling our society’s hyper-discount culture.
After the devastating collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh, where 1,138 factory workers were killed and an additional 2,500 were injured, the need for drastic change became apparent, and Fashion Revolution was born. Fashion Revolution is an organisation comprised of everyday people who are passionate about industry transparency and saving our planet. With a vision of creating a fashion industry that ”values people, the environment, creativity, and profit in equal measure,” they hope to foster a sense of unity within the field and transform fashion’s global impact. Last year in the UK alone, approximately £1.49 billion was spent over Black Friday weekend. This proves that Fashion Revolution and its supporters have a large hurdle to overcome.
This hyper-discount culture is fuelled by the supply and demand of cheap, mindlessly produced products that sell because of their affordable prices. With constant discounts piled on top of already low prices, companies are able to attract customers and clear their stockpiles, motivating the cycle to continue. This type of fast fashion is endangering the environment in a way many consumers are not aware of.
In order to produce such clothing, considerable amounts of land, water, chemicals, and energy must be used. This process ends up polluting precious water sources and producing mass amounts of waste. Lower-quality clothing is also typically made by underpaid workers in unsafe and inadequate working conditions. With evident harm against both the workers and the planet, it’s difficult to justify such an industry.
Artisans & Adventurers urges you to think about the impact of your purchases this festive season. Every small decision counts towards a much larger, global moment towards a sustainable future - because after all, it’s about more than just clothes. By donating, you are helping to run Fashion Revolution’s campaign for change. We hope to see you this Black Friday weekend as we work to support a cause that encompasses what we as a brand are all about.
To learn more about Fashion Revolution, please click here.
Update: Thanks to all of our wonderful customers, who decided to shop small instead of indulging in Black Friday 'deals' we managed to raise £250!