Headed up by Tammy Nicol, country coordinator for Fashion Revolution South Africa, the team have been working at great momentum these past few months leading to up to 24 April, when Fashion Revolution Day will globally say, “enough is enough,” asking the question for this year’s campaign: “Who made my clothes?”
Cyril Naicker is renowned as a dedicated supporter of South Africa’s clothing and textile industry, and of all aspects of wearing Proudly South African fashion. A popular workshop panelist and the creator of a TV show about local fashion, he is also a boardmember of Fashion Revolution South Africa.
He sat down to chat with GLAMOUR editor, Pnina Fenster.
Cyril: I t seems as though we are on the verge of change where ethical fashion is concerned. How do you feel about the changing role of the designer?
Pnina: Designers can play a great role in encouraging this shift — and many already are.
In the world of global designer brands, for example, Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood are great game-changers. In South Africa, Craig Jacobs of Funduzi, and the Lalesso brand among others, are devoted to creating clothing that is both creative and conscious.
International projects like Diesel and Edun, Pinko for Ethiopia and Gucci Green are just some of growing number of initiatives.
And it’s not just designers. Woolworths, Topshop, H&M, and many more chainstores have made strides into this arena.
Cyril: What advice do you have for up and coming South African designers in terms of ethical fashion?
Pnina: I wouldn’t presume to advise South Africa’s designers on how to run their businesses — fashion is a demanding game, and I admire their dedication, creativity and passion.
All I can say is that our country offers many opportunities for designers to collaborate with talented craftspeople, such as beaders, embroiderers and knitters, and it’s wonderful to see these avenues being explored, because that’s the way jobs are created, opportunities are shared, creativity flourishes, and love grows.
Cyril: Do you think that consumers are becoming more aware of the story behind fashion?
Pnina: Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of this story, but we all have a long way to go — and I include myself in this! This is why Fashion Revolution is such an important drive.
I believe that as many people as possible should be able to dress in a way that makes them feel good. It’s a lovely part of being human, it raises self-esteem, and it connects to self-expression.
At the same time, many consumers are terribly cash-strapped and price is their priority. I don’t know what the solution is here, but I trust that people who are infinitely more expert and clever than I am are looking at kinder, more ethical models of production.
For more affluent consumers, it’s sometimes a question of weighing up the price tag against the human cost. And there are so many other things we can do, such as recycle, buy quality and with consideration, wear vintage and make the most of what is already in our wardrobes.
Cyril: What is Fashion Revolution Day for you? How does it feel being a part of it?
Pnina: Fashion Revolution Day is a fantastic initiative and it’s an honour to be a small part of it. I’ve always loved fashion and I’ve always loved clothes, and Fashion Revolution Day encourages me to think about all of that with more care and consciousness. In this regard, I’m a work in progress — but who isn’t?
So South Africa, on 24 April, wear your clothes inside out and show your label and ask the brands WHO MADE MY CLOTHES? Let’s turn fashion into a force for good!
We invite you to participate.
We invite you to support.
We invite you to act.
Friday 24 April 2015 – International Fashion Revolution Day
For more information visit Fashion Revolution and the Fashion Revolution South Africa facebook page.
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