Fashion Revolution Week is all about awareness. The #whomademyclothes campaign runs from April 23-29 each year, falling on the anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse which killed 1138 people in 2013. During Fashion Revolution Week, brands and producers are encouraged to demonstrate transparency in their supply chain, and it’s something we’re more than happy to do at The Fashion Advocate.
The information surrounding ethics can be overwhelming and convoluted, which is why we’ve created The Fashion Advocate Transparency Guide – a series of simple posts to unpack the supply chains of the Australian designers and labels in The Fashion Advocate community. Over Fashion Revolution Week, we'll be sharing the stories behind each one of our labels, and answering questions about manufacturing and ethics, to drive change and push for improvement in the fashion industry.
As a community, we take responsibility for the impact that our industry has on people and the planet. Patrice Gibbons is at the forefront of this revolution, and as the Founder and Managing Director of ZURII, she’s passionate about ethics.
Patrice only launched her label last year but she’s employed skilled craftsmen with decades of knowledge to produce her products, because luxury leather goods need the skills and dedication that only experience can perfect. From day one, Patrice has been committed to ensuring ZURII products are not only beautiful, but ethically made by talented artisans who are well paid and rewarded for the brilliant work they do. Bringing style and luxury together, Patrice is designing for social change, and her handbags, wallets and clutches help empower women around the world.
Fashion Revolution Week is all about transparency. Who makes your range?
Our collections are handmade in a small family-run atelier in Spain. Each piece is made by talented craftsmen and women with incredible skills and years of experience.
Why are ethics important to you as a designer?
I truly believe that fashion can be a force for good. It has the power to change the world if we all stop and think more consciously about the choices we make at every level – as consumers, designers and label owners. Fast fashion may feel like a win as a consumer, but someone somewhere is paying the price and it’s usually the person at the bottom of the supply chain who can least afford it. That’s why I’m so passionate about ethical manufacturing; I don’t want our pieces to make the wearer feel great but disadvantage someone less fortunate in the process. I want both our customers and the craftsmen and women who make our pieces to feel empowered and valued - equally.
Fashion has the power to drive global change. How are you changing the world for the better?
We created the 'Fashion For Good' initiative, which sits at the heart of our label. It defines what ZURII stands for: ethical production and beautiful products that make a practical impact in the world. We are committed to ethical production and we will always offer full transparency across our supply chain. We also support 50 women across Africa each year, giving them access to micro finance loans to start their own businesses. We believe actions speak louder than words when it comes to ethical fashion.
The Fashion Advocate x
