On April 24, 2022, as part of Fashion Revolution Week 2022, Empower Women Asia and Fashion Revolution Vietnam organized a successful workshop named “Sustainable fashion with designers, artisans, and suppliers.”
The collaboration between Fashion Revolution Vietnam and Empower Women Asia
The collapse of the 8-story garment complex Rana Plaza in Bangladesh in 2018, which resulted in 1134 deaths and over 2500 injuries, was the most deadly catastrophe in the fashion industry in 2018. Carry Somers and Orsola De Castro founded Fashion Revolution to call attention to the unjust working conditions and dark sides of the fashion industry, as well as to amplify the unheard voice of the fashion workers and raise awareness among the general public. Fashion Revolution Week is an annual event with the purpose of raising awareness and educating fashion makers and consumers on sustainable fashion and sustainable practices.
As part of Fashion Revolution Week 2022, Fashion Revolution Vietnam and Empower Women Asia, a project of KIBV (Keep It Beautiful Vietnam), organised the workshop “Sustainable fashion with designers, artisans, and suppliers” to celebrate the traditional art of fabric making and to bring the idea of sustainable fashion closer to fashion consumers in Vietnam.
Guests showing the product they just made and slogan “I made it”
The event was joined by speakers including Ms. Sam Thi Tinh, the artisan preserving the traditional weaving craft; Ms. Ngoc Anh, fashion designer of La Pham; and Ms. Lieu Vu from Ecosoi brand, which supplies organic fibers made from pineapple leaves and bananas, who shared their experiences and opinions on sustainability within the fashion industry and the future of traditional weaving craft. In addition, participants were also able to experience some of the steps involved in the traditional woven fabrics making process and learn to dye their own products using natural ingredients from roots, leaves… then the final results coming from such materials. Aside from that, participants were impressed by the prominence and elegance of designer Ngoc Anh’s La Pham mini collection.
The workshop brings a deeper understanding of sustainable fashion to the community
This event aso brought fresh perspectives and deeper understandings of traditional weaving villages and sustainable fashion to the audience. This was also an important opportunity for Vietnamese traditional brocade fabric to be introduced to the public, showcasing the unlimited possibilities that extend beyond making garments and the abilities of the ethnic minorities.
Participants were inspired and fueled with passion and curiosity to learn more about the traditional weaving craft and sustainable fashion as a result of these useful and practical activities. In addition, participants were able to put their knowledge into action by purchasing and promoting Empower Women Asia’s fundraising programmes and products. Woven fabric products will continue to thrive and contribute to the future of the sustainable fashion industry in Vietnam.
Detailed information about the workshop
The workshop was a success, taking place at 14 o’clock on April 24, 2022, at A Ban Restaurant, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi. We welcomed 50 participants, over 30 guests, and 20 organizing members. The guest list was featured with some famous faces such as MC Quynh Chi, singer Ha Le, Singer Khanh Linh, Second runner-up Miss Ethnic Hang Pham, designer Huyen Gin, designer Huu Anh Zoner, and the presence of many correspondents from various press & media partners.
Starting the journey with shared information from experts in the field and being part of activities to directly involve in the processes of making sustainable fabric, at the event, guests were filled with joy and better understanding of sustainable fashion and appreciate more the values of the laborers, of people who make the clothes. The slogan “ I made it” was proudly shown by the guests together with their own handmade products proves not only the possibility of making your own textile products with hands but also the higher level of consciousness.
Guests, speakers, EWA team members at A Ban restaurant where the event took place
Empower Women Asia and Fashion Revolution Vietnam were successful in spreading knowledge, experience, and positive values to bring the understanding of traditional weaving crafts and sustainable fashion to the community. This would not have been possible without the help of individuals and organizations. We hope that in the future, with the help of sponsors and businesses, Empower Women Asia will have more opportunities to collaborate with other organizations or individuals to organize more fashion workshops or talk shows focusing on sustainable fashion.