Estethica: London Fashion Week

Love Fashion Hate Sweatshops

We love fashion but many clothes we buy in the UK come at a terrible cost. Millions of workers around the world suffer poverty wages and exploitation, producing cheap fashion for our shops.

According to research, workers at factories in Bangladesh making clothes for Primark, Tesco and Asda receive, on average, the equivalent of £19.16 a month. Some are paid only £13.97 a month, far less than the £44.82 needed to escape poverty and hardship. The vast majority live in small, overcrowded shacks, many of which lack even basic amenities.

War on Want is leading the biggest ever call for the government to regulate the business practices of UK retailers to ensure that overseas workers are guaranteed a living wage and decent working conditions.

“We want exploitation-free fashion which makes us look good without feeling bad. This campaign gives people a chance to make a real difference to the lives of workers who produce our clothes. Now is the time for the government to take action.” Ruth Tanner, War on Want

Models in campaign t-shirts and carrying ‘Love Fashion Hate Sweatshops‘ placards launched the campaign at Somerset House on 18th September, minutes before the first catwalk show opened the London Fashion Week.

The initiative is backed by Jo Wood, former wife of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood and Strictly Come Dancing star, as well as by pop singer Little Boots, actors Gael Garcia Bernal and Ashley Jensen, and designer Betty Jackson.

War on Want are asking people to add their names and faces to the campaign. The aim is to have 50,000 people join the call for immediate government action. Add your name (and face) to the campaign – together we can bring an end to sweatshops and ensure the dignity of workers everywhere!