After the tragedy in Bangladesh, my friend, Angelina, made the comment that "if this happened in Bangladesh, can you imagine what is happening in China?"
When we see or hear "Made in China" we automatically envision the worst. We think of factories packed with underpaid, and, often, underaged workers, poor quality and items that are cheap cheap cheap. However, all is not lost in China. With its supernova presence on the world stage, it is hard for China to hide in the depths of its vast territory. With an ever present need for transparency, there have been small shifts in what is happening on the ground. What is even more interesting are the lengths some manufacturers are taking to not only be major players in the consumerism game, but to also be recognised for their ethical stance.
Patagonia uses one of China's first ever green factories, that adheres to Patagonia's very strict environmental, labour and workers' health & safety guidelines. Other brands that have taken the move to ethical factories in China are Everlane, Grana One such factory is Knowledge, Technology, Craft (KTC), which strives to not only produce quality clothing, but create synergy between local knowledge and craftsmanship with the best premium technology in garment manufacturing. Started by two Austrians, the mission of KTC is to change the perceptions of the "Made in China" label. This meant improving working conditions and labour standards, and as a result, they are members of the Fair Wear Foundation and Fair Labour Association.
With companies like KTC, I find great hope coming out of China. As we celebrate the great craftsmanship, which we often ignore when it comes to China, and quality, the "Made in China" label in fashion may no longer be disregarded as solely a phrase associated with the negatives. So, YES! I am promoting "MADE IN CHINA", and those companies that challenge the stereotype, as we hope you will too.
ASIA