I thought I'd use this week's post to highlight the great work of a sustainable clothing company, called Rapanui.
The need for ethical clothing (both for the sake of the environment and for workers at all stages in the production line) has come to the attention of luxury clothing brands, such as Stella Mccartney, and new leading designer, Carmen March. Both have also been promoted by Emma Watson on her 'The Press Tour' Instagram account earlier this year, and use their platform to raise awareness for the need for sustainable fashion, and put it in the public eye. 
This is all wonderful work, and absolutely invaluable for the future of the fashion industry, and our world in general. But these luxury brands are not easily attainable for the majority of us, both due to economic reasons and for practicality. We want everyday clothing, rather than expensive coats and gowns, and do not want to have to rely on fast fashion for essentials. Indeed, I have seen ethically accredited coats for sale at a laughable £350+, and bras for £200+. It is clear that all too often, ethical fashion is interchanged with sustainable luxury fashion, for which these prices are expected, and most of us simply cannot fork out on. Nor should we have to, I don't believe.
It's becoming more widely known that if an item of clothing is really cheap, there is usually a sinister reason for it. Mainly, that we have no idea who picked the cotton, or sewed the different parts of the product together. Not to mention, a lack of knowledge of various stages in the clothing production line, and even companies who claim fashion-'consciousness' sometimes only take responsibility for their supply chain past a certain stage (aka the sewing together stage, rather than telling us who picked the cotton at the beginning). Not only that, but factory production methods can also be less-than environmentally friendly!
With all of this in mind, I want to point out the really fantastic clothing company: Rapanui. Based on the Isle of Wight (and recommended to me by a friend), Rapanui pays attention to all of the following:
1. Renewable Energy: Their UK factory is completely, 100% powered by renewable energy. Most of this comes from on-site solar. Additionally, they are conscious of who they choose to supply their materials. For Example: Rapanui's main supplier of organic cotton has its very own wind farm.
2. Traceability in their supply chain (workers rights): They provide a map for you to see exactly how your product arrived in the Isle of Wight, and the processes behind each stage of production. There is also a code inside the garment that you can scan, to find out more info on its specific origins! Ths means Rapanui takes responsibility for workers' treatment, and an attempt to limit damage done by transporting the goods themselves (aka pollution). Being certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard also guarantees that pay and working conditions are fair, and the company does this by visiting factories personally, rather than relying on other external 'assurances'.
3. The materials themselves: They make their products from sustainable materials, such as Organic Cotton and British Wool. As mentioned, they are a Global Organic Textile Standard certified company - this ensures that the inks and dyes they use are not harmful, and are handled correctly and responsibly.
4. Their clothing is actually affordable!! Their plain tops sell at £12.50, and come in eight different colours. Their patterned tops sell at around £19-20, and their jumpers, anywhere from £29-40. Bearing in mind, I recently bought a jumper from H&M for £35, I don't think their pricing is at all unreasonable, especially when the workers are fairly receiving their wages.
5. Rapanui believes in lengthening the life span of fashion in general, so you can send back old products and then buy something new with the store credit you get in return. This aspect is vital for having a sustainable cycle which does not end at the rubbish tip without putting up a fight!
At the moment, Rapanui mainly sells: tops, jumpers, hoodies, flannel shirts, socks, hats and scarves, and bags. A lot of their tops additionally carry a message in their design. I would definitely love to see some leggings, and even some plain day dresses at some point in the future!
The message from Rapanui's work is this: We as consumers should not have to support a brand which exploits people, or damages the environment. We should also have the choice to dress sustainably, rather than having no choice but to rely on fast fashion because it's much cheaper. We deserve to know where our clothes have come from. We deserve all of the knowledge to make a decision on whether we want to support a fashion company or not. At the moment - it does not seem as though companies want us to have this information, and we must ask ourselves why. The fashion world enthusiastically shout that we, the consumers, must wear what truly reflects who we are: loudly, boldly, and unapologetically! Such is the nature of fashion marketing.
I agree. Therefore, that is exactly what we will do. Let's shout even louder that we do not believe we deserve to dress at the expense of the planet and other people. If other companies follow Rapanui's lead, then sustainable fashion can compete with fast fashion, creating a larger market for ethical, everyday clothing, and putting pressure on giant companies to adhere to our expectations of the clothes we wear.
To browse or buy Rapanui Clothing, visit: www.rapanuiclothing.com
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