Members of Stitched Up co-operative are cutting back their wardrobe to just six items of clothing for the next six weeks to raise awareness of working conditions in the fashion industry.
The Manchester-based non-profit, which runs garment-making and upcycling workshops, is taking on a “fashion fast” to raise funds for Labour Behind the Label Trust, which works to empower workers in the global garment trade.
Directors and members of the co-op, which also offers drop-in sessions, clothes-swap parties, sewing machine hire and educational events, was formed to offer an alternative to high street fashion retailers, have committed to wearing only six items of clothing for six weeks from the beginning of March.
A statement from directors Bryony Moore, Claire Davison and Emily Wade said: “The issue of working conditions in the global clothing industry is very close to our hearts.
“In fact, it’s one of the reasons we set up our li’l co-operative in the first place.
“We feel that the way workers in the fashion industry are exploited to make huge profits for fast fashion brands is simply not on.”
The team say this isn’t the first time they’ve done the challenge, adding: “We know exactly how challenging a challenge it is!
“When you think about it, six items isn’t much at all – one dress, one skirt, a pair of trousers, two t-shirts, a jumper and that’s it.
“Underwear and outerwear aren’t included in the six items, but this doesn’t make it any less of a daunting task.”
Some volunteers and supporters of the co-op will also be joining the challenge, and the team will blog their experience, sharing lessons in stitching, upcycling and repairing their clothes as they go.
You can sponsor the team on their challenge here.
