projects processing

What is fashion?

Fashion exists in our world that encourage us to buy. to make the machine continue.

What is Ethical Fashion?

Ethical Fashion is to describe ethical fashion design, production, retail, and purchasing. It covers a range of issues such as working conditions, exploitation, fair trade, sustainable production, the environment, and animal welfare.

How to tell if it is ethical or not?

why 2 dollar per day of working wage is unethical? It is in line with local supply and demand. and it is not only happen in the fashion industry, as well as other industries.

The law of supply and demand

“The law of supply and demand is an economic theory that explains how supply and demand are related to each other and how that relationship affects the price of goods and services. It’s a fundamental economic principle that when supply exceeds demand for a good or service, prices fall. When demand exceeds supply, prices tend to rise.”
Increased prices typically result in lower demand, and demand increases generally lead to increased supply. Fast fashion is keep the low price，stimulate consumption with constantly updated styles.

I have a fruitful conversation with Adora Wang (Amazon’s head of European books), who is full of experience in business and E-commerce platform.

merchandise – platform – customers

My project is mainly about to help the factory fashion workers to improve their wages.

The target customer group is the one who loves ethical fashion pieces.

After my research during the past 2 months. In theory, it seems possible to build a platform for buying and selling, but in fact, there will be lots of questions waiting to be solved. As Adora questioned me, what is the merchandise about? I said that the garment workers can make their own clothes and put them to sell on the platform. She continue to ask me: How do you know they’re capable of making a complete garment？People who work in garment factories work on assembly lines, they can only do one step of garment production. where do they buy fabric? How can you guarantee that they will use a new platform when they only know making garment.

These are all very good questions. I have to rethink my project research problems and research direction. A real network sales platform can not just talk.

I have talked to a intern who is working as a desinger at KH Exports , It’s a leather goods exports unit, their clients including Tommy Hilfiger, Prada, Kate Spade, Tory, Coach, etc..

She told me that

They know that all the profit goes to few big people，and they feel it’s unfair.

The India new government has come up with some new rules regarding the fashion industry. (for example: beneficial schemes for the local craftsman)

She will find someone for me to understand more about the factory workers working conditions.

Interview Question & answers

1. What is the average wage for the factory workers in India fashion industry? （Approximate range of numbers, no need to be precise）
   1. The designer’s salary starts from 20,000 rs and can be up to 70,000rs .(£195.68 – £684.89 ) it depends on the company.
2. Is there any overtimes? If yes, does the company pay for the overtime? If yes, How much is it per hour? (Approximate range of numbers )
   1. About overtime, there is no overtime for the workers. Thier working hours are fixed
3. How is the working environment? Is it safe and healthy for the factory workers? ( Can you provide an overall photo of the factory?)
   1. The working environment is safe, they even provided transportation for workers before covid, they provide brealfast and lunch as well, forst aid training and fire help training is also conducted to educate the workers.
4. Will the company pay if an employee is injured at work? 
   1. they dont pay the hospital bills but we have a health care centre at our office, so the workers and employees are treated there

5. Can the basic interests of employees be protected?  If not, Can you give me an example?

No answer to this question, they don’t understand it.

I have learned from the shop owner Sam that businesses often start with a small idea,With the development of business constantly adjust the development strategy, to meet the needs of the market, it is easier to have better sales.

Hi Melody,
Thanks again for considering my business for an interview.
SC Knitswww.scknits.co.uk Instagram @SC_Knits
1. When did you start your online shop?
I started SC Knits Etsy shop a few years ago, but have been more focused with improving listings within the last year.
2. Why do you open your shop in Etsy? (Your original purpose?)
Originally it was to test products and sell to the public for the first time. To see what other makers were selling and to get some experience on an online platform. I found Etsy to be the most well known and popular at the time, so chose to open a shop with then.
3. Have you opened on other platforms? If so, which ones?
I am part of the Bristol Pop-Up online shop https://bristolpopupshop.co.uk and have had a small selection of earrings for sale on Depop. SC Knits will be opening a Folksy shop very soon.
4. How do you promote your business? Ever thought about going big?
For promotion, I use social media such as Instagram (@SC_Knits), Facebook and have a website. Next year, I have big plans for SC Knits, where I will be launching some kits and begin teaching workshops in knitting and dyeing techniques.
5. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the platform (Etsy) and what do you think it could be improved?
Etsy has definitely grown in popularity over the past year with the introduction of advertising over various platforms. SC Knits has recently received a lot more orders overseas, so I feel Etsy can be a great tool to reach international customers. The main downside to the site for me, is that all the added fees can be expensive. 
6. What advice do you have for ethical fashion maker who wants to set up shop on a platform?
Research is key! Do your research and explore the market and competitors, as it’s important to see where you sit within your peers. Make sure your price points aren’t too low to cover costs, even when starting out.
Hope these answers are okay? I would love to read your finished piece too if possible.
Many thanks, 
Sam
SC Knits

I’d like to hear some voices from online sellers, to understand the strengths and weakness of the platform (Etsy), and I’ll think about these ideas in my project.

I have learned from the shop owner that businesses often start with a small idea. With the development of business constantly adjust the development strategy, to meet the needs of the market, it is possible to growing bigger. 

1. My previous research question was “How to draw attention to labor equity issues in the fashion industry”? during my research and study, I’ve found that many people(especially in the UK) already know the facts about the exploitation of workers by fast fashion. So I want to make some adjustments to the research question so that I can get better/productive results from my projects.
2. My revised research question is “How to achieve a win-win situation between frontline workers and consumers in the fashion industry?”
3. I plan to: a. Talk to some ethical fashion makers who are already selling products to customers directly on line, to understand their pain points. b. Talk to online shopping customers, to understand what are they expect for a piece of fashion when they shopping online.

Trying to contact someone in India fashion industry. will update the details later.

I’ve had an interview with a Chinese fashion maker. Here are some informations:

1. The working conditions is as in the pictures, Except for the Windows, there is no facility to purify the air, and the air is full of the smell of leather, so whether it can cause harm to the human body needs further exploration.

2. During the busy season, from June to December, workers work an average of 14 hours a day. Wages are paid on a piecework basis without additional overtime pay. Fast workers can earn up to 10,000 yuan (£1,200) a month.

3. In the leather clothing factory is less work-related injury, if there is a work-related injury, the company should compensate, but the interviewer did not know the specific details.

I went to a fabric market with desinger Zhou, he told me that the fabric price in Italy is very competitive compared with in London. He familiar with the price as he was studying in Italy for 3 years.

1. we can find any fabric we want in the market. Whether it’s a retailer, a wholesaler, or a fabric factory, there’s plenty of supplies.
2. The price is depend on different fabric. London market is much expensive than Italy, and Asia. and I believe the lowest price is in Asia, for example China. I have bought pure silk to make a shirt. the price is amazing.
3. One aspects of Ethical fashion is about to improve the garment makers’ income, working conditions, and other legal rights. Can we encourage these skilled workers to make their own clothes and sell them on a platform? When they have the autonomy to buy, make, and sell cloths, they can earn a reasonable wage for their work, instead of being exploited by fast fashion. they can change their working conditions by themselves, and they will have the ability somehow to protests their own right when they grow bigger.
4. I have met several designers came to the shop and buy fabrics. they told me that they make cloth and sell by themselves. why not we encourage the garment makers to do the same thing?