Can you see them?

A few weeks ago I saw it for first time. I was sitting in a coffee shop after a meeting with our interns, looking up something on the topic of ethical fashion when I came across this video, called Handprint.

I had no idea what it was, but I pushed play.

What ensued was me sitting quietly, tears streaming down my cheeks, making big dark spots on my bright colored shirt and pants, in the middle of the coffee shop full of busy, working, meeting, planning business people.

It felt strange for me to be sitting there so connected to this story.

I couldn’t help but look around at all the clothes in the room and wonder about the faces and the hands of the people who made them.  For me, it was almost eery.   (I’m sure for them, it was getting a little creepy too 😉 )

The images, the faces, and the story in this film have further changed the way I look at clothes.  

I’ve been waiting for the right moment to share it with you.  I keep thinking this perfect moment will arise, but something I read this morning prompted me to share it today.  It wasn’t a “Today is the perfect day!” kind of moment.  It was more like “Today is the only day I’m promised.  It’s the only day I have to make a difference.”

So today it is.

Not tomorrow or next week.  Today.

Please watch this 2 minute film.  Don’t worry, you probably won’t cry.  I’m an old softy.  (but grab a tissue, just in case)

I don’t have the answers, but I believe with all my heart, we can change this.

Most of all, I know for sure it starts with you.  It starts with you and me, not looking the other way.  It starts by becoming aware that there are real human beings making every piece of clothing we wear.

When you look at it from that perspective, the numbers just don’t add up.  

Even with fair wages being so drastically different accross continents, when you think about the fabric, the labor, the warehouse, the packaging, the overseas shipping, retail distribution and retail mark-up (typically 50% of the retail price) it doesn’t add up.  How can a $10 shirt be produced ethically, by paying someone in good working conditions a fair wage?

Just think about it.

That’s all I’m asking.

I see their faces when I pass fast fashion at the mall.

Can you see them?

to more love,

Crystal

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. 

~ Margaret Mead