By Jessica Kelly, Founder & CEO, THR3EFOLD One of the great things about the invention of the internet has been the democratization of information. I remember when I was in high school, and the internet was still in it's infancy, I wanted so badly to learn about the fashion industry and how I could work in it, but the best I could do was a fashion illustration book from the early 90's at my local library - great.
Now information is everywhere, so much so, that we need help finding it and digesting it. In fact, we assume that if we don't know something, even if it's someone's personal contact information, that we can find it (I know I have). So when we come across something that no manner of online research can help us resolve, it is highly frustrating and seems impossible. Enter the manufacturing industry. Many factories have managed to stay in business with crappy websites, confusing communication, and questionable if not egregious ethical and environmental practices. Yikes. So why is finding a factory so time consuming and confusing? Let's dive in. We don't often repost content on this blog, but when we do, it's because it's a conversation that isn't happening and more people need to know. Megan O'Malley is half of the duo who WALKED across Asia in Walk Sew Good detailing the lives of garment workers. Her article on Eco Warrior Princess got a standing ovation from our team. We can't tell you how many times we here, I saw The True Cost, and I knew I had to start an ethical fashion brand to solve the problem. Did you research the market? Do you know how many thousands ethical fashion brands already exist? Do you have experience in fashion to know how expensive and impossible it is to grow into a profitable brand? These all seem to be fleeting thoughts that will work themselves out "one day". Please read this article and let us know what you think. We personal think we'd be besties with Megan. Just a hunch.
You've gotta have a little respect for companies that put their money where their mouth is. Since 2015, H&M has been dolling out 1 million euros to 5 lucky recipients who they've deemed innovators in pushing forward sustainable fashion. The leaders emerging as winners never fail to blow your mind with untapped possibilities. Here are the winners for 2018's Global Change Award.
At THR3EFOLD we are dedicated to connecting the fashion community to be more ethical and sustainable, and we want to equip passionate individuals (like you) to be leaders in building this movement. Do you wish fashion was more conscious? Do you want your job to matter beyond your paycheck? Look no further.
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