Glasson’s PR company Showroom 22 recently had a media day to showcase incoming collections for the A/W2010 season. By the sounds of it a lovely day was had by all.
While looking at Designer Direction’s coverage of the event one very shiny garment in particular caught my attention – a sequined butterfly cape. It seemed familiar…
A quick search of the CFS archives reveals I had seen it before. It was on sale at Greasy Waitress Vintage and I put a picture up for my online vintage shopping guide. First thoughts; well this puppy ain’t vintage then is it?
A quick google search revealed tens of other capes, variously labelled 70′s and 80′s. One of the sellers described the cape as having a “made in India” label. A very similar cape crops up at UK’s New Look, confirming all suspicions this article has been bought off the rack.
New Look, like many other UK/USA fast fashion chain stores, has come under fire for their dubious practices. In particular, hiring contractors and purchasing from manufacturers who utilise child labour.
In the article ‘The Hidden Face Of Primark Fashion’, The Guardian reported: “A major industry needing child labour is sequin and Zari work, intricate embroidery immensely popular in America and Europe. Children’s thin, nimble fingers can work quicker on intricate ethnic designs.”
Examples of this abound online. For example, in 2007 GAP was snapped using child labour for intricate beading work. They ended up recalling all the product after public outcry.
“Glassons is New Zealand’s most visited women’s fashion store, and has identified an opportunity for growth in the Australian market. Glassons is renowned for its fast fashion, vibrant stores, and winning value.”
Lovely! Growth, fast fashion and value. But at what cost?
I’m not saying that Glassons are involved in dubious market practices, but they are jumping into bed with some interesting company. I searched the Hallenstein Glasson site high and low but couldn’t find anything regarding their approach to ethical trade, or even a basic CSR policy (Corporate Social Responsibility). I’ve emailed them but as of yet have had no reply.
At the very least, New Look has a Ethical Trade document on their website and I remember that Primark made a big deal of talking about their ethical line in store through signage (vaguely because I was pretty much high on plastic fumes emitting from 12 quid raincoats).
Coming from a country that prides itself on being pretty ‘down with’ the environment and human rights, I’m surprised no murmers have come from the public yet. It seems everyone is still busy enjoying the new fast fashion new phenomena. In the last couple of years loads of stores eg. Supre, Glassons, Jeanswest and Max* have starting releasing weekly collections. (*Max do have a CSR policy on their site.)
Just because it is relatively novel to have on-trend garments available in New Zealand, doesn’t mean you can skirt the issues. So Glassons, despite all these sequins and shiny bits, what’s your policy?
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Hi Amber,
Interesting points that you raise. I would like to know if Glassons contacts you regarding your concerns. Please blog if you do hear back. In the meantime do you mind crediting the image you used from Designer Direction back to us? That would be awesome.
Thanks :)
Melody @ Designer Direction