People Tree supported the Red Light Campaign’s (www.redlightcampaign.org) Vintage and Ethical fashion show that took place on 30th November, Avalon, Shoreditch, to raise awareness of human trafficking; by donating some of our favourite dresses to be sold at a silent auction on the night.
Model at the Red Light Campaign catwalk show, wearing People Tree's Orla Kiely Tea Dress. Photo by Michael Barron
Talia Chain and Philipp Engel, the founders of the Red Light Campaign spoke about their campaign and the reasons for highlighting human trafficking though organizing an ethical fashion show. Talia Chain observed how “fashion is in our lives every day, but we do not necessarily think of others, just the style of it.”
Two guest speakers addressed the gathering: Anne Hamilton movingly described a story of one young person’s experience of being trafficked into the UK and asked us to be more aware of those in our communities who could be involved. She surmised that human trafficking “impacts upon equality, that people are being bought and sold”. Amisha Galdali, provided us with some hard-hitting facts including that the fashion industry employs 1/6 of the world’s population- and therefore what an opportunity the industry and consumers have to make a tangible difference by pressing for more intelligent designs.
Amisha also offered us Rules to Dress By, including:
- Research Ethical Designers e.g upcyclers; new fabrics; local designers
- Have a wardrobe clear out and donate to charities like Traid
- When buying something new ask for the story of what you are buying. The story is special, and if the company cannot provide you with one, then it might encourage them to consider why not?
- Wear what you have
- Get Creative
Upbeat music signaled the start of the fashion show, and the crowd’s excitement was palpable! As the models came into view, it was lovely to hear audible appreciations for the evening’s strong collection of vintage and designer clothes. Excitement also led to covert bidding and queues forming to look at the clothes and to participate in the raffle.
I thought the models, who were a range of sizes and ages which is key to the Red Light Campaign’s approach to fashion, did a fantastic job -and that the entire evening was a great success, with over £2,500.00 having been raised!
