In Photos: How Filipinos Are Leading A Fashion Revolution In The Philippines

When the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh collapsed on April 24th, 2013, 1,138 garment workers were killed and many more injured, making it the worst human-made disaster of its kind.

Since then, people from all over the world have taken up arms to form a Fashion Revolution, a global movement calling for greater transparency in the fashion industry, with the goal to radically change how our clothes are sourced, made, and bought.

Every year in April, millions of people take to social media, calling on brands to answer the question, “who made my clothes?” and demanding for more fairness and ethics in the fashion industry.

But what does a movement like fashion revolution look like on the other side of the world, in a country where many of the labour and human rights abuses we hear about are actually happening?

In photos, here’s a glimpse of the fashion revolution movement in the Philippines, led by Filipinos for Filipinos.

 

“Our clothes tell a story. And in this world of fast fashion, our clothes mostly tell a story of injustice and exploitation. I support Fashion Revolution because I believe it's time for us to change that narrative."
- @ikinahon (Photo by @cajiligjasper @fash_rev_ph, Translation: @camellianoir)

 

Rico, one of our Gouache bagmakers in Marikina, proudly stands in his home and proclaims, “Ginawa ko iyong bag mo”, Tagalog for “I made your bag”.

 

Students from SoFa Design Institute in Manila, snapping selfies and posting photos for Fashion Revolution Week!

 

“This movement has opened my eyes with regards to fashion, it changed my life and I am slowly conforming to the sustainable lifestyle. Now every time I walk past a retail store I would ask that very question "Who made these?", "Were they well compensated and supported by the business that earns from them?" and "Why should I buy this, will I be using it often and will this add up to the waste on this earth". - @iamkatrinac
(Photo by @cajiligjasper @fash_rev_PH, Translation: @camellianoir)
Photo taken at BGC Fort in Manila, Philippines.

 

“Who made my clothes?” Yana Santiago, founder of ethical accessories brand Olivia & Diego, a brand crafting jewelry out of used and secondhand textiles and employing women in Davao City. She is one of the main organizers behind several sustainable fashion events taking place across the city.

 

A group of college students defiantly hold up signs in protest against fast fashion. They proclaim, “It’s time for a fashion revolution.” Photo taken by Daryl Nacario in Davao City.

 

Jennifer, one of the artisans behind our Olivia & Diego jewellery, holds up a sign in support of Fashion Revolution Week.

Learn more about Fashion Revolution Philippines and how you can help fight for a more just, fair, and transparent fashion industry.