By Josie Gudgeon
In a lot of my fashion articles, I talk about what is meant by the word of empowerment within the fashion industry. For me, I believe there is a lot built around this world of empowerment. In other articles, I have talked about the ethical side of empowerment within fashion, knowing that your products have come from good craftsmanship and a happy working environment.
However, I want to look at the emotional connection that we can have with fashion and how this can be empowering to wear. For me the subject in this article goes beyond the material and construction, it portrays a strong message of awareness; raising money to help hugely important charities in such a rapidly developing media and pressure-based society.
Caroline Flack’s death on the Saturday 15th February sparked conversations about the importance of mental health awareness and support, with many people circulating a quote she shared on social media in December, which reads: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
Last week fashion retailer In the Style announced it had created a T-shirt embossed with that exact quote. They decided that 100 per cent of all profits would be donated to the charity Samaritans, an organization that supports individuals struggling with mental health issues and experiencing suicidal thoughts.
The brand spoke out and said “In light of recent tragic events and the ongoing mental health battles faced by so many we feel it’s so important as a brand to use our platform to raise further awareness to mental health and the impacts surrounding this.”
The T-shirts raised more than £200,000 for the Samaritans charity in just 24 hours. They have now raised more than £300,000. They also went on to say: “The sole purpose of these #BeKind tees was to spread love, raise awareness and donations for charity and it’s definitely done that,” the company said. “I know everyone is so deeply sad in light of recent events but people coming together in support of this is just so special and this money raised will have such a huge impact for so many people who need it.”
The support that has been shown to the In the Style “#BeKind” campaign is amazing. These T-shirts really represent the emotion within empowerment in fashion. When wearing one of these T-shirts you will know that the money behind this has gone to charity helping to support and save lives. Not only that this also means that you are showing unite within society and pushing the power of change and awareness.
Furthermore, on Monday 17th February, former love island contestant Molly-Mae Hague announced that Following Caroline Flack’s death all profits from her latest clothing collaboration with Pretty Little Things will be donated to mental health charity Mind.
Molly-Mae Hagues tweeted saying: “This is the least that can be done to make a small difference to this out of control issue. Caroline’s death has completely rocked me… thank you PLT for always being incredible.”
Both of these events have shown just how empowering the fashion industry really is. These online fashion retails showed a tribute to such a tragic event and have brought light from such a sorrow time. They have provided awareness and support for the wider society.