JOIN THE REVOLUTION.
Our Fashion Revolution T-shirt commemorates the 11th anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster and the immense human suffering caused by irresponsible practices in the fashion industry. In 2023, we re-designed tee with German artist and activist Steffen Kraft. The T-shirt is made from 100% organic cotton and produced to the highest standards for people and nature. What's more: for the seventh year in a row, we are donating all profits from sales to NGFW. The National Garment Workers Federation is a nationwide organization that works to protect the rights and dignity of Bangladeshi garment workers.
NO FASHION WITHOUT THE PEOPLE BEHIND IT
Since 2018 ARMEDANGELS collected a total of almost 80,000€ for NGWF. The donation from 2023 resulted in a compensation payment of over 265,000 € to the textile workers, and enabled NGWF to:
- Rehire 125 workers
- Give 105 workers training benefits
- Pay 430 workers compensation
- Continue 605 case hearings
Steffen Kraft is a German artist and activist that goes by the online alias ICONEO. In his work, he explores the problems and tensions of our modern-day society through thought-provoking illustrations. From political and environmental issues like global warming to social pressure and technology addiction, many people – maybe even yourself – will see themselves in Kraft’s work and can relate to the feeling of being overwhelmed by modern-day life.
How was the design creation process?
First, I had a lot of research on the art and culture of Bangladesh. I noticed that tigers appeared frequently in pictures and discovered that the Bengal tiger is one of the national animals of Bangladesh. I also examined the appearance of garment workers and the textile industry in the country. After that, I sketched out initial ideas and tried to combine a few elements so that they would fit the existing text on the T-shirt. Ultimately, I found that the combination of a garment worker and a tiger was the strongest.
What message does your artwork convey?
The illustration combines a garment worker with a Bengal tiger, symbolizing the power of the fair fashion movement. The tiger represents the work of the garment workers, and the image motif stands in contrast to the terrible event described on the textual level, offering something positive and motivational.
What does your work have to do with Fashion Revolution week/ARMEDANGELS/the fashion industry?
Normally, you don't see a motif on T-shirts that has anything to do with the production of the T-shirt itself, let alone see the garment workers. This motif sends a clear signal that a T-shirt is not just a piece of fabric, but rather, it is a product that has been made by human hands.
How did you like the creation process of this artwork that was for this special topic? Was it different from your usual work?
One particular challenge was integrating the image into the existing text without it standing on its own. Additionally, the motif needed to avoid negativity while still conveying a strong message. Despite these challenges, I loved the opportunity they presented. Personally, I find it easier to be creative when I have limitations and a framework to work within, as in this case. Furthermore, it's a great feeling to know that my work is helping people.
WORDS MATTER. BUT ACTIONS DEFINE US.
We believe that fashion should NEVER come at the cost of people. That’s why we know all of our direct suppliers personally. So we can ensure every garment is made in safe working conditions and workers are paid above legal minimum wages. Join our movement and be part of the solution, so that we can make sure Rana Plaza never happens again. Question fast fashion, inform yourself, consume consciously and join the revolution.