B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Fashion Law
Fab Fashion Law News from 2015--
It's the time of year--and frankly the last day--do to these listicles discussing the year that was. While we've retired our weekly Tuesday Tops feature (which still has great stuff to check out), we still like the idea of compiling solid, handy lists.
Since fashion law is our specialty, and we want you to stay as up-to-date as possible on our favorite field, we're listing the Top Fashion Law Stories of 2015. Let's hit it backwards, starting with last week...
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Fashion Law Is Back on Capitol Hill--Child Labor Laws for Fashion Shows
Blissful Ignorance: Abercrombie Can't Pretend They Didn't Know They Were Discriminating By: Dana Martin
Why You Should Care About Fashion Law By: Dana Martin
Can't wait for more fashion law news in 2016!
B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Fashion Law
The True Cost: A Fashion Documentary Behind Manufacturing--
While many see fashion and the industry at large to be frivolous and superficial, it's actually a billion-dollar market with many very serious issues. Garment production is one of the most serious--especially when it comes to the working conditions employees are subject to.
The fast-fashion niche, you know--the likes of Forever 21, H&M, Zara, etc.--have created their own place in the industry. This segment has many positives, particularly for young shoppers, shoppers on a budget, and anyone needing something trendy in a hurry. However, negatives have come along with this market, too. They've been on the receiving end of lawsuits for infringement on high fashion/designer styles, discriminatory hiring practices, and the labor conditions of their factories. Fast-fashion is all about filling the racks in a hurry. Someone has to make those garments--often under harsh conditions.
Things have changed drastically over the last few decades. In the 1960s, 95% of American attire was made right here in the states. Now, that number is flipped to about 97% produced overseas.
Executive Producer Livia Firth of The True Cost, a documentary digging deep into a number of these issues, noted at the NY screening "We are sold this myth that to buy a dress for under $10 is democratic--but it's democratic for who? We discard faster and faster, and that is how the consumer becomes poorer and poorer. 2 of the 10 richest men in the world are the owners of Zara and H&M. I think it says a lot about how they make their money."
Her film delves into the realities of factory workers in places like Bangladesh and Columbia. It puts a face behind the garments so many throw on and throw away. Stepping far behind the scenes of your favorite mall stop, you'll see a story behind every thread, of people who can't afford what they make, and what they endure during production.
Check the trailer. This is a must-see.
The True Cost is currently available on iTunes, Amazon, DVD, and Blu-ray.
For more on labor issues in fashion, click here.
While many see fashion and the industry at large to be frivolous and superficial, it's actually a billion-dollar market with many very serious issues. Garment production is one of the most serious--especially when it comes to the working conditions employees are subject to.
The fast-fashion niche, you know--the likes of Forever 21, H&M, Zara, etc.--have created their own place in the industry. This segment has many positives, particularly for young shoppers, shoppers on a budget, and anyone needing something trendy in a hurry. However, negatives have come along with this market, too. They've been on the receiving end of lawsuits for infringement on high fashion/designer styles, discriminatory hiring practices, and the labor conditions of their factories. Fast-fashion is all about filling the racks in a hurry. Someone has to make those garments--often under harsh conditions.
Things have changed drastically over the last few decades. In the 1960s, 95% of American attire was made right here in the states. Now, that number is flipped to about 97% produced overseas.
Executive Producer Livia Firth of The True Cost, a documentary digging deep into a number of these issues, noted at the NY screening "We are sold this myth that to buy a dress for under $10 is democratic--but it's democratic for who? We discard faster and faster, and that is how the consumer becomes poorer and poorer. 2 of the 10 richest men in the world are the owners of Zara and H&M. I think it says a lot about how they make their money."
Her film delves into the realities of factory workers in places like Bangladesh and Columbia. It puts a face behind the garments so many throw on and throw away. Stepping far behind the scenes of your favorite mall stop, you'll see a story behind every thread, of people who can't afford what they make, and what they endure during production.
Check the trailer. This is a must-see.
The True Cost is currently available on iTunes, Amazon, DVD, and Blu-ray.
For more on labor issues in fashion, click here.