Fair Trade Clothing is the new Haute couture.
In 2011 the best of fair trade clothing will hit the high streets and the catwalk, moving from the preconceived notion of fair trade clothing as hippie market material to mainstream fashion statements.
Brands like People Tree have set the standard for fair trade by integrating designer styles with practical gear that appeals to a broad cross section of the community, from fashion conscious students to status-aware professionals.
Why Wear Fair Trade Clothing?
Honestly looking at what is being produced by companies who produce fair trade clothing why wouldn’t you wear it? This is not the glary, neon, fade-in-the-first-wash clothing of the nineties. Fair Trade clothing can blend into your wardrobe and you can wear it with pride knowing that no one has been taken advantage of during the production process.
It’s fair to say that most clothing available in stores has been produced with money in mind. Most production companies who outsource their labor skills to under developed countries do so because the services these countries can provide is cheaper than what can be provided in most western countries.
With Fair Trade Clothing there is a peace of mind that everyone was rewarded for their skills and no large faceless corporation has taken advantage of either the environment or other people and their families.
Fair Trade is the future of business and fits right in with our efforts to minimise the impact we have on our precious earth.
What Is Fair Trade?
You’ve probably heard of the phrase fair trade in other contexts. Most commonly in coffee shops where brand name franchises have recently taken on lines of fair trade coffee.
Fair trade implies a different way of conducting business internationally. The industrial system (still in use in the majority of industries) sets up a hierarchy where a company outsources labor to a third world country and pays employees very little for their skills and services. Any profits from this transaction go straight back to the hiring company.
Fair Trade is a more transparent form of international transaction, demanding equitable rights for both parties and treating all participants with equal respect.
By its nature it contributes to sustainable management of the environment and people.
How is Fair Trade Clothing different?
For a brand to be considered Fair Trade clothing, the production and distribution process must adhere to the World Fair Trade Organisation’s charter.
They are summarised in the 10 Standards to which members address in their relations with suppliers:
- Standard One: Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers
- Standard Two: Transparency and Accountability
- Standard Three: Trading Practices
- Standard Four: Payment of a Fair Price
- Standard Five: Child Labour and Forced Labour
- Standard Six: Non Discrimination, Gender Equity and Freedom of Association
- Standard Seven: Working Conditions
- Standard Eight: Capacity Building
- Standard Nine: Promotion of Fair Trade
- Standard Ten: Environment
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