People Over Profits
Our Commitment: People Over Profits
One in every six people in the world work in the fashion industry. Yet, it is estimated that only less than 2% of them earn a living wage (Source: The Lowest Wage Challenge). Many are also subjected to unsafe work conditions, exploitation, verbal and physical abuse.
In 2013, the collapse of Rana Plaza cast the issue of workers’ rights in the fashion industry back in the spotlight. The preventable deaths of more than 1000 Bangladeshi workers made headlines.
The Gin and Ivory label is thus built on a mission to bring forth apparel made with thoughtfulness and integrity. In our processes, we hope to contribute to a fairer, safer, and more transparent industry that values people over profits.
We dream up our designs in Singapore and thereafter, every item is made by our team of ten artisans based in Bali, Indonesia.
This is how we ensure our artisans' welfare:
- Our artisans earn more than the living wage and are given annual bonuses and commissions
- Our artisans work no more than 50 hours a week, have at least one day of rest each week, have proper lunch breaks and may apply for leave to rest or travel when they wish to
- There is clear lighting and a clean environment for work
- We consistently check in to ensure our artisans are well
We also commit to #slowfashion and hence, only produce high quality investment pieces as we respect the time and effort of our artisans and would not want their creations to be thrown away or replaced quickly. In a similar vein, we adopt a lean production model to ensure no overproduction or wastage.
Going forward, to further bolster our commitment, we intend to seek even greater transparency in our supply chain. For example, by looking deeper into the way the buttons and zips on our clothing are being made.