Ethical Fashion

Ethical Fashion is fashion that is created conscientiously. At DeviDoll we recognize that there are different routes to being ethical in fashion and below we explain the set of routes dearest to us. This list is neither exhaustive nor final, we expect it will grow along with us. We also realize that no single label can take all the routes simultaneously to achieve the title of ‘ethical’. Thus each of the labels in our boutique meets at least one of the criteria we’ve listed.

Organic

Organic materials are produced with low impact on the environment. This includes production free from chemical pesticides, fertilizers or genetically modified seeds. Organic farming helps keep ground-water free of toxic chemicals which promotes soil fertility as well as biologically diverse agriculture. Organic farming also means farmers don’t have to handle hazardous chemical that are dangerous to their health, in some cases even fatal.

Alternative Fabrics

These are fabrics that are (fantastic) substitutes for the materials we have come to depend on too much (e.g. – cotton). The earth simply cannot produce enough cotton to satisfy demand and it’s time we look to other materials. Bamboo, Soya, hemp, among others, provide a great alternative - sustainable, easy to cultivate, replete with anti-allergic/bacterial properties and fabulous to work with in fashion.

Vintage and Re purposed Materials

Everyday tonnes of perfectly good fabric and other material is thrown away and ends up choking landfills across the globe. Out of sight may be out of mind but its not out of trouble: landfills break down trash slowly. Groundwater must be monitored for years and much of what goes back into the earth isn’t good for it. Reusing reduces the load on our planet and prolongs the life of materials that often took a very long to crate. Recycling in this way requires minimal energy expenditure and often creates no chemical by-products

Traded fairly

There is no greater self-deception than feeling beautiful in clothing that has cost other human beings their health and even life. Justice for workers is a core principle of ethical fashion and it includes ensuring that wages are determined in conjunction with workers, that these wages are not unduly subject to the vagaries of market demand and that workers receive health, education, pension and other benefits. If groups have developed key parts of such a program, or are not financially or administratively equipped to acquire formal ‘fairtrade’ certification, DeviDoll recognizes them in the category of traded fairly.

Handicrafts Revival

Across the world communities are everyday being displaced because their artisan skills have become redundant. For such people their craft is a way of life, indeed the only one they know. Worse when this way of life is disrupted, most often no social safety nets are provided. Urban slums, child labour, child prostitution, alcoholism and crime are the most common future for such crafts people as they search for new ways of sustenance. Handicraft revival and support, which can include creating co-operatives and teaching market/commercial skills, allows these local artisans communities to survive and prosper in a modern world.

Especially Benefits Children and/or Women

Children and women tend to be the worst off in under-privileged communities and also tend to be worst affected by economic downturns. They also tend to play a big part in the manufacturing world that supplies the fashion industry. It is now widely known that economic support to women has direct and multiple benefits for the family as a whole. DeviDoll actively seeks out labels that can provide such support. For more information about the state of women and children today and how it can be improved click here.