Fashion Revolution Week 2024
This week marks the 10th anniversary of Fashion Revolution. This global activism movement was set up in response to the Rana Plaza tragedy in Bangladesh, where a building collapse killed more than 1,000 people across five garment factories.
This year, Fashion Revolution is marking the decade with 10 days of action. Using the theme ‘How to be a Fashion Revolutionary’, they want to bring together a global community to explore fashion’s role in driving social and environmental change.
Read on to discover our story and what we do to produce clothes as positively as possible to minimise our impact on the planet and its people.
Our story
Our founder, Jo, started Kite 17 years ago. She wanted to use her experience and knowledge of the fashion industry to start a company that not only made great quality clothes but also cared for the planet.
“Back then, the environmental issues we see now weren't so front and centre, and sustainable shopping wasn’t the norm. With a background in mainstream fashion and having three small children of my own, I wanted to create a clothing brand that was as responsible as possible to respect the planet my daughters were going to inherit.
I have always believed that no one can do everything, but everyone can do something. That's why I founded Kite.
We have learnt so much on our journey. Since the beginning, we have dedicated ourselves to high standards and maintaining them without compromise. Our goals are still the same. We want to bring our customers beautiful, high-quality clothing that is planet positive."
Changing times
In the last decade, the clothing industry has been evolving. Consumer awareness of environmental and social issues and the desire for responsibly sourced clothes has grown, and some larger brands are slowly shifting focus and prioritising sustainable initiatives.
At the same time, consumers are becoming increasingly wary of unsubstantiated claims regarding environmental and social progress. With so much 'greenwashing', it can be hard to know if you're making the right choices when buying clothes.
That’s why we walk the talk and are proud to be certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). GOTS certification requires strict compliance with environmental and social criteria, which means you can be confident that you are making a choice that is better for the planet and its people.
Planet-friendly
We are passionate about producing sustainable clothes that look after our planet's resources and conserve the environment.
All our clothing is made from GOTS certified organic cotton, recycled plastic bottles, sustainable wood pulp or fabrics approved by OEKO-TEX.
We also only use GOTS-approved dyes to prevent toxic chemicals from damaging the environment.
People
Our GOTS certification also requires independent annual audits, ensuring every single worker in our supply chain is paid a fair wage, guaranteed clean and safe working conditions, able to work hours that are not excessive, free from discrimination, harassment and violence, and none of our factories use child or forced labour.
Jo and Roger, our MD, regularly visit our factory partners to maintain our strong relationships.
We have worked with some of them since the very beginning of Kite and all for at least 8 years. They share our values and commitment to creating the best clothing possible.
Quality
We know the most sustainable thing we can do is create clothes that will be loved and treasured for a long time and then passed on to be shared with others.
We design our styles to be long-lasting through durable fabrics and thoughtful features which make them wearable for longer on growing little ones. Our garments are made to withstand the scrapes and scuffs of adventuring, and will look great wash after wash after wash.
Our team, both here at Kite HQ and in our factories, has extensive expertise and knowledge, working tirelessly to ensure the design, cut and fit of our garments are just right.
Over to you...
Anyone can be a Fashion Revolutionary. We all have skills that can help drive change. Visit the Fashion Revolution website for more information and find out how you can get involved.
Some great places to start are:
1) Be thoughtful about where you shop. Be curious and ask brands for answers.
2) Look after your clothes. Mend and make alterations because loved clothes last.
3) Get involved with Fashion Revolution Week. Share your story and learn from others.
