The Problem With Fashion

A New Way Forward

For years, the fashion industry has been under scrutiny for how it’s garments are made globally. In numerous cases this has been a true matter of life and death for apparel manufacturers. Most notably was the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh that left 1,100 dead in 2013. While people are quick to assign blame to the large corporations that are in charge of these operations, or the shoppers who are demanding inexpensive, fashion-forward product, there is one thing that is evident. There are simply not many alternatives when it comes to purchasing clothing that you can truly feel good about. This is the problem with fashion.

Increasingly, there are brands popping up that are working to show a more ethical / values-driven approach to apparel. However, these efforts tend to feel isolated and individual. On the other side, there are advocacy groups like Fashion Revolution that are banning together passionate shoppers in order to apply pressure to the large corporations and have them clean up their act.

It’s our belief that a broader, more inclusive platform was needed within apparel in order to augment these efforts and to see larger scale reform. A movement that could offer a pragmatic solution to both shoppers and brands so they could understand the powerful impact (on all areas of the business) of a thoughtful and transparent supply chain. This is KNOWN SUPPLY.

If the apparel industry is going to change for the better it is going to take two distinct approaches…

1) Connection

Very few people discuss the human stories behind apparel. The truth is, that the apparel manufacturing process is still largely reliant upon human labor to accomplish nearly every aspect of creating the garment. We believe shoppers would view their clothing — and in turn make their purchasing decisions differently — if they understood this fact.

This is why we introduce every KNOWN SUPPLY customer to the person who made their product. The goal is to break down the barriers of “difference” and “otherness” that is created when we simply don’t understand someone else’s context. We introduce people through an online profile and put an individual and story behind each garment.

2) Collaboration

The success of this idea is directly correlated to the prevalence of its accessibility to shoppers. We have heard from many brands and organizations about their desire to make a positive impact with their apparel and merchandise needs, but many don’t know where to start. That’s why we are offering our apparel to be ordered in bulk and used for other causes, brands, and companies.

The more of us who come together and share a common message of celebrating the makers of our garments the more the industry as a whole will take note and be incentivized to change.

If you share our passion for celebrating and honoring humanity, pick up a t-shirt today or apply to order our apparel in bulk.