Refresh your wardrobe, save money and fight fast fashion this Fashion Revolution Week
In a world consumed by fast fashion, where trends cycle faster than ever before, the environmental and social toll is undeniable. Did you know that fashion production accounts for a staggering 10 percent of total carbon emissions globally? Add to that the depletion of water sources, pollution of rivers and streams, and the shocking reality that 85 percent of textiles end up in landfill each year. Fast fashion isn't just a shopping habit; it's a global crisis.
Enter Fashion Revolution, a not-for-profit global movement advocating for a clean, safe, fair, transparent and accountable fashion industry. Fashion Revolution Week is their annual campaign that's been running for more than a decade, and calls on individuals worldwide to rethink their relationship with fashion. This year, Fashion Revolution Week extends to ten days of action between Monday 15 April and Wednesday 24 April. There are plenty of events happening on campus to inspire and empower you to make change.
Stitch Craft is a new slow fashion hub on campus, where you can learn how to repair, recycle and remake clothes. Image by Merve Sehirli Nasi on Unsplash.
Bringing slow fashion to campus
Aligning with Fashion Revolution Week is the launch of Stitch Craft, a new slow fashion hub on campus to promote sustainable fashion practices and cultivate a community of conscious consumers.
Brought to life by a Sustainability Action Grant, Stitch Craft will be located within the Library’s ThinkSpace on Level 2 of the Jane Foss Russell Building. From Tuesday 16 April, the space will be stocked with sewing machines, sewing equipment, and second-hand fabric to encourage you to repair, recycle and remake your clothes.
Ayesha Shaikh, the student behind Stitch Craft, shares her hopes for how students will utilise the new space:
"I think sewing can be used as a tool to combat environmental pollution as well as human rights issues and the cost-of-living crisis. I envision Stitch Craft as a vibrant hub where students can come together to not only learn new skills and techniques but also to spark meaningful conversations about the interconnected nature of these challenges. My hope is that students will use this space as a catalyst for creativity, collaboration, and positive change. Together, we can reimagine fashion as a force for good."
Clothes swaps are budget-friendly, reduce waste and promote sustainable fashion practices. Image by Lucas Hoang on Unsplash.
Fashion Revolution Week events
From a clothes swap to mending workshops, there's something for everyone this Fashion Revolution Week. Events are free and open to all students, however spots are limited so please ensure you register online.
| Location | Activities | Date & time |
|---|---|---|
| ThinkSpace | Join us for the grand launch of Stitch Craft. We'll gather at ThinkSpace for morning tea and an enlightening seminar on fighting fast fashion, presented by Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS). | Tuesday 16 April, 11:30 am–1 pm |
| ThinkSpace | Bring in your pre-loved clothes in excellent condition and leave with 'new' second-hand items for your own closet at our Clothes Swap event. | Wednesday 17 April, 10 am–12:30 pm |
| ThinkSpace | Suitable for all skill levels, the Fashion Revolution Society's Mending Workshop will equip you with some simple skills to have you mending and repairing your beloved, broken garments. | Wednesday 17 April, 2–4 pm |
| ThinkSpace | Suitable for all skill levels, the Upcycling Workshop: T-Shirt to Tote Bag presented by the Waste Fighters Society will guide you through turning one of your unused or unwearable t-shirts into a unique tote bag. | Friday 19 April, 10 am–12 pm |
| CreateSpace | Intro to hand-sewing is part of the Library’s regular program of sewing workshops, covering where to sew on campus and hand-sewing basics. | Monday 22 April, 1–2 pm |
| ThinkSpace | Learn the basics of crochet at a workshop facilitated by the USYD Random Acts of Kindness Society. Learn how to hold the hook and yarn plus how to make a slip knot, basic stitch and more. | Wednesday 24 April, 2–5 pm |
Feeling inspired? Make your own contribution to sustainability and apply for a Student Life Sustainability Action Grant. Applications for Round 2, 2024 are open until 9 am on Thursday May 23.