Fashion Revolution Day: Milly + Kohl's, Who Made my Clothes?

I generally avoid getting negative on this blog; I'd rather focus on all of the beautiful, innovative things that are happening in the ethical fashion world than harangue those who aren't up to speed.

But today is Fashion Revolution Day, and it's about calling companies out. It's about asking uncomfortable questions, demanding transparency, and wielding our power as consumers.

And it's timely, as I have two very specific companies in mind. Yesterday, corals and cognacs (who I adore, by the way) shared that one of my favorite American-made lines, Milly, launched a collaboration with Kohl's. My first thought was "HELL YEAH. A made-in-the-USA line is collaborating with a big box store! What an awesome way to bring ethical practices into the mainsteam! Wooo!"

But when I browsed through the pieces on Khol's website, I realized that all of their Milly collection is imported. Womp womp.

This bummed me out big time. It made me lose faith in a brand I loved. It brought up a slew of truths and contradictions I wasn't prepared to deal with (e.g., in order to produce a line of luxury-inspired pieces all under $100, must those pieces be made overseas?)

I know that American-made isn't a panacea for the ills of sweatshop labor, and I'm not opposed to manufacturing in China, India, or anywhere else for that matter as long as I know the people making my clothes are treated fairly.

But "imported" doesn't tell me jack.

So I'm asking, Milly and Kohl's: Who made my clothes?

Me-Made May, and a Month of Ethical Fashion

I work in corporate communications, and last week our department hosted a video content workshop. The goal was to learn how to develop viral content, with the idea that emotionally resonant material can spread like wildfire. One of the speakers, Karen Cheng of Give it 100, pointed out that there are specific emotions that move people to share -- amusement, excitement, and anger were among them. 

We were asked to share out a video that moved us recently, and I chose a New York Times mini-documentary on the Rana Plaza collapse. The predominant emotion I felt? Anger. And a flame for fashion justice rekindled.

My Month of Ethical Fashion

When I started this blog almost three years ago, my intent was to craft a wardrobe that was fair to the environment, fair to people, and true to my personal style. I explored fair trade, handmade, and made-in-the-USA options, and started learning how to sew. I tried to make more conscientious purchasing decisions and to buy less overall. And while I've discovered some great ethical brands and purchased some gorgeous pieces along the way, I still find myself shopping J. Crew. It's an odd sort of addiction. 

So even though I missed this year's Fashion Revolution Day and can only commit to a very mild version of Me-Made May, I want to challenge myself to take a step back and remember why I started this blog in the first place. Inspired by the sentiments of Fashion Revolution Day and Me-Made May, here's my hybrid ethical fashion pledge:

I, Jacqui of Birds of a Thread, pledge to:
1. Wear one fair trade, handmade, made in the USA, or vintage garment per day;
2. Wear something I've made, modified, or mended at least once a week;
3. Write two educational posts that explore the garment industry and the stories behind the clothes we wear; 
4. Not to buy a single new piece of clothing this month. 

Stay tuned...