If you look at the clothes you’re wearing right now, do you know who made them? Do you know where they came from?
These questions might feel simple to ask, but the answers can be complex. A Fairtrade fashion show at St Stephen’s Church, Cinderford this Thursday evening (1 May) aims to give you greater insight into the lives of everyday people working in the global textiles industry.
As well as showcasing a range of fairly traded clothes, accessories, and jewellery, including unique one-off pieces and preloved items, the Fairtrade fashion show is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and join the dots between our everyday lives and the people who craft the things we wear.
As the models will walk the runway, the audience will hear the stories behind each outfit. It explores where the clothes were made, who crafted them, and how Fairtrade helps ensure safe working conditions, fair wages, and sustainable production.
As part of Fashion Revolution Week, the event also commemorates the anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh, where over a thousand garment workers tragically lost their lives in 2013 due to unsafe factory conditions. The week aims to remind people that fashion isn’t just about the latest trends, but about people and the very real human cost of cheap clothing.
Rachel Witham, the coordinator for Fairtrade at St Stephen’s, said: “Thinking about Fairtrade connects me to people across the world. By asking questions like who grew my tea? Who made my clothes? Who crafted this gift?, we realise that we are all part of one global family, and that how we shop can either harm or help the people we may never meet, but who are every bit as real and valuable as our neighbours.
“It’s about justice, and being mindful of how our choices affect others. For me, it ties in with the Bible verse Micah 6:8 — ‘Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.’”
The show will feature a wide range of fairly traded items, from recycled and ethically sourced fabrics to hand-decorated and traditionally crafted garments. Prices of the clothes will range from £3-£40, with proceeds supporting Fairtrade suppliers, campaigns and initiatives overseas. It will also help maintain the historic St Stephen’s building.
“St Stephen’s is a Fairtrade Church,” Rachel said. “We’ve got a shop in the church that lives there permanently. We did a Fairtrade fashion show last year which was really popular, so we are doing another one.
“This year, we’ve sourced a wider range of clothes for men and women, and in more sizes. Many of the clothes on show are made from GOTS-certified cotton — an alternative to Fairtrade cotton that still prioritises ethical farming and fair treatment of workers. Others items feature traditional handcrafts, hand-printed designs, and recycled materials.”
The show is from 7pm to 9pm, with a catwalk starting at 7.30pm. It features models who have volunteered from the congregation and the wider community.
“The models have spent time at the church this weekend putting some amazing outfits together. It’s always wonderful for me to see the gifts that God has given to each of us that are so different. Life would be so boring if we were all exactly the same and capable of exactly the same things, but it’s remembering that we’re all one body, God’s made us all and He’s gifted us all of our totally unique talents,” Rachel said.
There will also be the large Fairtrade shop at St Stephen’s packed with fairly traded food, homewares and gifts from around the world to browse and shop from on the night.
Even if you can’t make the event, you might want to consider where you are buying your clothes. Rachel said, “You can shop at specialist brands that specifically sell Fairtrade clothes. Alternatively, high street shops like Marks & Spencers, White Stuff, and occasionally Primark offer Fairtrade or ethically sourced items — you just have to keep an eye out. Usually, if they’re Fairtrade, they will make a point of it.
“For those on a tighter budget, I encourage you to consider second hand/preloved shopping. It’s another way of honouring the people who made our clothes. By giving clothes a second life, we’re showing respect for the hands that made them.”
People are welcome to just come along, free of charge. Alternatively, there is an option to prebook a ticket (£5), which also includes a refreshment box and 10% off all purchases of clothes, jewellery and accessories on the night. These tickets need to be booked by the end of the day on Tuesday 29 April.
For more info and/or to book tickets, please message the page or email Rachel (ku.gr1747828423o.seh1747828423cruhc1747828423-drof1747828423redni1747828423c@leh1747828423car1747828423).
News Hub
