MORE THAN CLOTHES
MORE THAN CLOTHES
This campaign is dedicated to drawing attention to the connection between human trafficking and the fashion industry. We will define and discuss issues ranging from production to modeling to retail.
Content Schedule
Human Trafficking
Forced labor trafficking is when people are employed to perform work against their will, with some sort of threat motivating them to perform.
“Victims of trafficking are often deceived into working, manipulated with violence, left in poverty due to debts owed, or imprisoned.”
Behind The Camera
Behind The Camera
Fashion models often face sexual misconduct behind the scenes, or may be trafficked by fake or shady agencies
"At most it seems the agencies will say to the model, 'Well, if you're in an uncomfortable situation, then you can always just say no.' But it's easier to say that than be the young girl in that situation, dealing with a powerful stylist, editor, or photographer who can make or break her career,"
- Sara Ziff
Balenciaga
Behind The Buy
Shein
A viral sensation, Shein is by far the most predatory of fast-fashion brands. With an endless stream of discount codes, sales, and slew of new products added every day, their business ethics have come into question due to their insanely low prices. An investigation conducted in the documentary Untold: Inside The Shein Machine, exposed the truth
Resources
What you can do
Shopping second-hand and resale, these shops usually are supporting local charity.
Buying anything pre-owned, this can be from a vendor, a garage sale, or friend’s closet.
Reusing materials to create a new item or product of higher quality. This could be turning a blanket into a jacket instead of throwing it away.
Trading clothes with friends and family. Bonus, it saves money!
#MoreThanClothes is a project created for our Fall 2022 Community Education Internship
Jess Wheeler
Fall 2022 Community Education Intern and creator of More Than Clothes
Jess Wheeler studied Sociology in college and cares deeply for the dignity of all people. From this, comes the interest in ending fast fashion and raising awareness. Jess prioritizes sustainability and supporting ethical business practices, which is the inspiration for this campaign. She hopes to educate others on the connections between trafficking and the fashion industry, including individual responsibility as a consumer, because where you spend your money has an impact. She plans to move abroad, continue in anti-trafficking advocacy and sustainable fashion and education.
Jess hopes you find the campaign informative and encourages you to be a conscious consumer!