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Fashion Revolution Day: History and 5 sustainable fashion trends to follow in 2023

Fahion Revolution Day symbolizes the collective fight against fast fashion that harms our planet

Every year on April 24, Fashion Revolution Day is a time for people to work together to shape the future of the fashion industry. Through targeted campaigns and leveraging social media, individuals strive to hold their preferred fashion brands accountable, promote transparency in the industry, and initiate a constructive dialog to correct unsustainable practices. While it may seem like a simple goal, this movement has led to significant reforms in the fashion industry in nearly one hundred countries since its inaugural celebration on April 24, 2014.

On April 24, 2015, the second Fashion Revolution Day was observed. The event received wide media coverage and reached 16.5 billion people worldwide. In addition, 63 million people from 76 countries participated in the movement, after which the hashtag #WhoMadeMyClothes trended on Twitter.

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History of Fashion Revolution Day

The fashion industry experienced a significant shift toward ethical practices and witnessed the fashion revolution after a catastrophic event of epic proportions brought the global community together. Rana Plaza, an eight-story garment factory building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, collapsed on April 24, 2013, killing more than 1,300 men, women, and children, injuring more than 2,500 people, and orphaning approximately 800 children. This unfortunate incident is one of the most horrific disasters in the history of industrial design and fashion.

The fashion industry has not been publicly scrutinized for its lack of transparency in recent years. The supply chain is complex and opaque, resulting in millions of workers being exploited by working in poor conditions, for inadequate wages and long hours. Fashion Revolution Day has been held annually for the past nine years. It originally began as a social media movement encouraging people around the world to question clothing and fashion brands by asking, "Who made my clothes?"

Top 5 sustainable fashion trends you should follow in 2023

Fashion is what defines many of us so why not upgrade it to benefit the planet? The popularity of sustainable fashion is growing worldwide for a variety of reasons. In 2023, the fashion industry will be taken by storm with the emergence of the following top sustainable fashion trends.

1. Second-hand clothing is on the rise

Buying second-hand clothing is back in vogue. Many consumers are taking advantage of the growing market because of its many benefits. Thrifting isn't only easy on your wallet, but also on the environment. It's a great way to reduce textile waste and save some money at the same time. In addition, secondhand clothing offers the opportunity to stand out with unique pieces that no one else has.

2. Upcycling plastic waste

Technical apparel, including sportswear, outerwear, and swimwear, typically uses oil-based materials such as polyester, nylon, and spandex, which have a high environmental impact. These fabrics have a significant impact on the environment, including high energy consumption, carbon emissions, hazardous chemicals, and plastic waste. Fortunately, many clothing brands are making sustainable clothing from recycled plastic waste, such as PET water bottles. These clothes are comfortable, affordable, and high quality, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional technical clothing.

3. Clothing industry leaders embrace organic cotton

Leading apparel brands are turning to organic cotton to appeal to socially conscious consumers and regain their trust after following an exploitative fast-fashion business model. Certified organic cotton has been a cornerstone of sustainable practices in the global textile and apparel industry for some time. Compared to conventional cotton, organic cotton is non-GMO and is grown without the use of hazardous herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers, making it a better alternative.

4. Cruelty-free and vegan fashion

The global textile and apparel industry is responsible for the deaths of billions of animals each year for fashion. Materials such as fur, wool, leather, down, and silk are derived from animal pelts and skins. Fortunately, more and more socially conscious consumers are choosing clothing that does not contain animal products.

These consumers recognize that fashion can be stylish, high quality, affordable, and free of animal ingredients. They are looking for cruelty-free and vegan alternatives such as recycled fabrics, organic fibers, or semi-synthetic textiles made from natural resources.

5. Luxury fashion as the antithesis of fast fashion

Around the world, consumers are turning to luxury fashion to escape over-consumption. They are attracted to luxury brands because they offer numerous benefits, such as pieces that are designed and distributed to last. Today, many luxury fashion brands emphasize sustainability, especially those with a strong online presence, such as Browns, Matches Fashion, Net-a-Porter, and Selfridges.

More than 60 per cent of customers express a desire to shop sustainably, and 90 per cent want to purchase fewer but better items. Meanwhile, 60 per cent of Matches Fashion shoppers are attempting to live as sustainably as possible. Prominent luxury fashion brands like Chanel, Ralph Lauren, and Prada have recently committed to the Fashion Pact, which aims to halt global warming, restore biodiversity, and protect the oceans.