Category Archives: ECOLOGY

LEARN // The WellMade Project

A three year project that began in 2013, WellMade provides free online resources designed to help brands better support labour rights in their supply chains.

The Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) is lead partner on the initiative, working collaboratively with other partners and associates.

There are currently four specific case studies to assist brands:

(1) “You know those pants we ordered? We need them in a different color!”

(2) “I’m visiting a factory but I’m not a CSR specialist. What can I do to help?”

(3) “We have found labour problems in one of our factories. What should we do?”

(4) “Subcontracting: How can this small group of workers produce so many t-shirts?”

If you’re in Paris, you can catch the project for a free workshop tomorrow (10 Feb) at Texworld.

Follow WellMade on Facebook and Twitter for updates on resources, as well as future workshops and events.

ATTEND // Kate Fletcher to speak at Emily Carr University – Vancouver, Canada

On January 17, 2013, Kate Fletcher will present at Emily Carr University in Vancouver, Canada, through the TD Speaker Series/Designer in Residence Program.

“Over the last 15 years, Kate’s original thinking and progressive outlook has infused the field of fashion, textiles and sustainability with design thinking, and come to define it. Kate is one of the founders of the ‘slow fashion’ movement and instigator of directional sustainability projects, including Local Wisdom, which has engaged hundreds of people worldwide with the ‘craft of use’ and ‘post-growth’ fashion and was shortlisted for the Observer Ethical Awards in 2010.” (Emily Carr)

When? January 17, 2013 – 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Where? South Building, Room 301, Emily Carr, 1399 Johnston Street, Granville Island –Vancouver, Canada

This event is free and open to the public but you must register your place online – space is limited!

Click here to learn more.

See you there!

Helen Storey and Tony Ryan to Exhibit Catalytic Clothing at Manchester Science Festival

The Catalytic Clothing Story from Helen Storey Foundation on Vimeo.

As you know, we’re huge fans of Professor Helen Storey (London College of Fashion) and Professor Tony Ryan (University of Sheffield) for their breakthrough interdisciplinary work and research on such projects as Catalytic Clothing.

So, here’s some exciting news if you’re close to the UK: from October 27^th to November 12^th the Manchester Science Festival will be featuring projects Field of Jeans and The Soap Box.

Admission is free and you don’t have to book a space!

What is Catalytic Clothing?

“Catalytic Clothing is a radical project that brings together the worlds of fashion and chemistry with the potential to clean the air we breathe […] Employing existing technology in a new way, it seeks to explore how clothing and textiles can be used as a catalytic surface to purify air. It is the brainchild of artist / designer Helen Storey and chemist Tony Ryan – people from very different worlds whose minds have come together over recent years in highly successful art/science collaborations.” (Catalytic Clothing)

Follow Catalytic Clothing on Facebook, here.

Follow Catalytic Clothing on Twitter, here.

Source: The Bulletin, Centre for Sustainable Fashion

Social Alterations to present at ECO Fashion Week Vancouver: Oct. 19

Will you be in Vancouver, Canada, on October 19^th?

Mary will be speaking at ECO Fashion Week this season, alongside Tara Sawatsky (Canopy), Martin Hojsik (Greenpeace International), Carly Stojsic (WGSN), Myriam Laroche (Eco Fashion Week), Katharine Shipley (Our Social Fabric), Mark Sklazeski (SustainU), and Melissa Ferreira (Adhesif Clothing).

When/Where?

2:00pm @ Robson Square

Topics?

Textiles and Manufacturing
Labour and Manufacturing
Industry Trends
Consumer Behaviour and Awareness
Recycling and Upcycling

Click here for more information on the SMART TALK line-up.

The seminars are free, but you’ll need to register in advance to hold your place (limited seating).

If you’ll be there, please make sure to introduce yourself and say to Mary!

EFW Season 5 runs from Oct. 15 to 19th, click here to view the entire event details and schedule.

EVENT// FUTURE FABRICS EXPO

“The Future Fabrics Expo focuses on the fashion industry and how its environmental impact can be lowered through innovation in the textile industry, and novel ideas to transform the fashion system and design practice.” (The Sustainable Angle 2012)

This November be sure to check out the Future Fashion Expo hosted by the London College of Fashion. This event is organised by The Sustainable Angle with the support of the Center for Sustainable Fashion. Visitors to the Expo will have the opportunity to view a diverse range of fabrics and gain a feel for their aesthetics and performance, as well as finding out about their production.

“The Sustainable Angle has been researching and presenting high quality fashion fabrics which are produced with the intention of reducing environmental impact throughout the supply chain, addressing issues of biodiversity, water, waste and energy. These materials are sourced from international mills, suppliers, and cooperatives, highlighting both environmentally considerate and ethical production.” (Center for Sustainable Fashion 2012)

Last year, I attended the first Future Fabrics Expo and found it to be an informative research opportunity that I highly recommend to others. As a fashion student interested in responsible sourcing most of my research had previously been online and I was grateful for the chance to browse at the Expo; getting up close to so many new and exciting fabrics.

Now in its second year the Future Fabrics Expo is expanding to include further information about other aspects of fashion supply chains as well as moving to the prestigious Rootstein Hopkins Space. I am excited by the broader scope of this year’s event which again promises to be an invaluable experience for designers and students alike.

To register for the event visit www.futurefabicsexpo.org