Today is the anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse and as we mark 8 years since the tragedy, we are getting involved by asking necessary questions, such as #whomademyclothes. This Fashion Revolution Week focuses on the interconnectedness of human rights and the rights of nature. The campaign will amplify unheard voices across the fashion supply chain and harness the creativity of our community to explore innovative and interconnected solutions. Transparency is crucial in creating a more ethical and eco-conscious fashion industry. Fashion Revolution are ensuring this is a concept we are all aware of, to prevent tragedies like the Rana Plaza collapse happening again.
Transparency is crucial in creating a more ethical and eco-conscious fashion industry. Fashion Revolution are ensuring this is a concept we are all aware of, to prevent tragedies like the Rana Plaza collapse happening again.
Transparency is one of the core values that we want to embody at Ethereal London, holding our relationships with our suppliers above all else we wanted to share the unheard voices of Lucy and Agnese. Both are key members of our production team in China and UK, and valued members of the Ethereal Family.
Our Founder Annie Holt, a natural Mentor and advocate for sustainable and ethical fashion has been living these values and has built close relationships with Lucy, Agnese and other team members that have a physical hand in producing our garments. Annie believes everyone involved in each piece along its journey from inception to delivery, is an integral part of the Ethereal Family.
“Our factories are our life blood, without them we do not have a Brand, I am in awe of the their talent and they amaze me every time they bring one of my designs to life so perfectly”
‘Our factories are our life blood, without them we do not have a Brand. We currently have 3 key partners in the UK, Portugal and China that all meet the highest level of ethical standards ensuring that everything in our supply chain exceeds international labour rights including fair living wages and safety for workers. We work with them closely and speak to them almost daily and I see them as part of the team. I am in awe of the their talent and they amaze me every time they bring one of my designs to life so perfectly’ says Annie
Meet Lucy who works in our partner factory in China
Can you explain what your job title is and what your role and responsibilities are?
My job is QA, Quality Assurance, I support the merchandiser for anything related to garment technology, whilst I work closely with our sample room to make sure the technician understands comments correctly when creating patterns and sewing samples. In total there are 6 people in my QA team (leading by a senior QA). I inspect every sample before delivering to the customer buyer/designer.
How long have you worked for the company and what are they like to work for?
10 years, I started as a dressmaker for the first 3 years, then worked as a sampling specialist (follow up process for all samples) for 3 years. I left in 2017 for lifestyle change but I came back in 2018 and joined the QA team. I like the inclusiveness and openness of the company, it is a good platform for skilled people. I can also see the most trendy product from production!
What is your favourite thing about your job and what are you most proud of in terms of production?
My favourite thing about my job is knowing my samples are liked by the buyer/designer. I am most proud when seeing a sample from sketch to a real sample.
Can you talk us through the day in the life , so tell us what your work day usually looks like?
I usually get up 7am, take the bus to work and arrive at the office 8.30am. The team come to work later, so my first thing in the office is checking emails from last night. When the team arrive we go through comments and sketches etc, then I move to sample room and deliver those comments to technicians. Usually the dressmaker finishes a sample after lunch so I spend all the afternoon in checking and inspection. 3pm is the busiest time of the day, I need to finish inspect of samples and take them to the team, we then review together on mannequin, record measurement and take photos, pack up and get ready for DHL collection.
Where do you want to be in 5 years career wise?
I am hoping to learn more about garment technology from my daily work, for example pattern creating and grading. I hope to be promoted as senior QA within 5 years’ time or move to another team within the company and try a different role.
Tell us a bit about yourself personally, family, hobbies anything you are happy to share with us?
I have a small and simple family, I have 2 boys 15 and 13, they are both in school and living with their grandparents. My husband is hydro-engineer, we are both migrants from other province of China, we go back home once a year to meet big family during CNY holiday. I like strolling when I’m free, I also like seeing fashion catwalks from media.
What’s your favourite Ethereal design you have worked on and why?
I like all pieces of Malia, the lounge set, that is my favourite. When we make them, I feel the same warmth that comes from my family.
Meet Agnese who works in our UK production space
Can you explain what your job title is and what your job role and responsibilities are?
Senior pattern cutter and pattern room manager. I interpret the designers sketches and bring them to life through pattern cutting
How did you get into fashion and your field?
I have studied fashion design in Latvia and completed university degree in UK. I then had some private pattern cutting tutoring and I have built my experience working for various luxury designers and high street brands in London as a pattern cutter.
What’s your favourite thing about your job?
I love turning design ideas into garment prototypes and to translate designers visions into quality garments.
Tell us a bit about yourself personally, family, hobbies anything you are happy to share with us?
I currently live near Broadstairs with my fiance and love all the vintage shopping in the area. I travel to London for meetings and fittings but have my own studio here now so I can do the work here
What’s your favourite Ethereal design you have worked on and why?
I love the Aria dress, it’s so flattering on any body shape and works for many occasions. It is one of those perfect dress designs.
Let’s all take a step towards accountability, transparency and an important building block for good working conditions. A more transparent and sustainable fashion industry is something that we should all be campaigning for, for a more conscious and kinder future.
We will continue to be transparent with our consumers and hold our suppliers to a high standard. If you ever want to know more or ask any questions about who made your clothes or where they come from then please feel free to email us we are happy to share the information and answer any questions hello@ethereallondon.com