Of course, things do not get better overnight, and to top it all, there will be a Primark in Munich at the beginning of next year, but basically I feel that sustainability is in the minds of consumers. The manufacturers, who do not already rely on sustainable production anyway, try to make the topic more and more their corporate strategy in order to remain competitive. But when I read that there are working conditions in the middle of Europe that are in no way inferior to the sometimes terrible circumstances in Asia, I start to doubt again. Sweatshops in Europe? When are you finally going to wake up ?
Ecoalf goes Berlin
First Ecoalf was there, then disappeared from the scene and now the Spanish Eco-label has happily reappeared. With a bang, because the Spaniards have opened in Berlin Mitte not only the first German flagship store, but the first store outside the home country. At almost 250 square meters, the entire Ecoalf universe is finally available. In 2009, Javier Goyeneche founded the label in Madrid out of his frustration about the use of natural resources and the growing amount of garbage
Recycling instead of natural resources – now Ecoalf is coming to Berlin
Instead, Ecoalf relies 100% on quality and design – made of recycled plastic waste: fishing nets, PET bottles and plastic bags transform the Spaniards into bags, coats, laptop cases (I use them almost every day!), Shoes. Unfortunately, I was not there myself – but this address is firmly on my agenda for my next visit to Berlin. Alte Schönhauser Straße 5-5a / Rückerstraße 3, 10119, Berlin; Mon – Fri 11 am – 8 pm, Sat 10:30 am – 8 pm, www.ecoalf.com
Finally in Germany too – Ecoalf’s recycling favorites
Fashion Makes Sense: Mukashi Mukashi Berlin
Fashion that makes sense. It would not be much easier to give an award for sustainable fashion. The announcement of the winners is already four weeks ago, but no less current today than it was then. The jury prize 2017 of the “Fashion Makes Sense Award 2017” went to Lithuanian-born designer Birutė Mažeikaitė, who founded her label Mukashi Mukashi Berlin after graduating from Esmod Berlin. Already during her studies she won the “Prix Du Jury” and the “Best Pattern Making / Draping” award.
By the way, Muskashi Muskashi is Japanese and means “Once upon a time …”
Further Awards followed and culminated in October in the “Fashion Makes Sense Award 2017”. Her design (picture) has convinced the top-class jury (including Carry Somers (Fashion Revolution) and designer Elsien Gringhuis). Not least with the prize money of 2,500 euros, she can now expand the winner’s collection “Animus” and will present it in Maastricht during the Fashionclash Festival 2018 (15-17 June). Keep an eye on it!
Great design – Mukashi Mukashi Berlin
Clean Clothes Campaign: Sweatshops in Europe
Made in India, Bangladesh & Co. makes the alarm bells ring for many consumers thanks to many years of educational work. “Made in Europe” is indeed positive, but not always better. According to recent publications by the Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC), partly unsustainable working conditions prevail in Eastern and Southern Europe as well. According to a survey of more than 100 workers and workers in fashion and shoe factories in Serbia, Hungary and Ukraine, it appears that they do not even pay the minimum wage, that the hygienic conditions are prohibitive, there are no working time arrangements and with safety at work for the workers is spared a lot. Yes, we have Sweatshops in Europe. In our neighboring countries.
Attention: “Made in Europe” is unfortunately no guarantee for fair production
After the bad image of “Made in India” & Co., many fashion companies (also based in Germany) from the low – price and middle segment have shifted their production to Southern and Eastern Europe and now advertise with the positive “Made in Europe” image without adhering to ethical codes. What does that mean for the conscious consumer? Continue to ask (#whomademyclothes), buy trusted labels that are organized in the Fair Wear Foundation and look for labels that appear on green blogs and in sustainable online shops. #letchangethatfashiongame
“Made in Europe” is not necessarily better – sweatshops are also available here
