For Dyes and Demons we have done a lot of research to get a rounded understanding of exactly what we are putting out. We have combined the research from our two dissertations (mine on anxiety and depression in creatives and Zeb's of fast fashion) as well as going to and watching multiple conferences.
I think most importantly we have built an understanding of the sensitivities of the topics that we are speaking about and I think that we have been successful in speaking about them in a way that is aware and sensitive (particularly with mental health).
However, we have also gained a lot of insight into some of the really unethical things that big fashion brands are doing. We have seen lots of contradictions between what companies say in ethics conferences and their actual codes of conduct. This is particularly the case for Primark. For example, they said in a conference that they don't employ workers in any country under the age of 16 but in their code of conduct it says 14.
This for example is something that we find really infuriating and want to speak up about through our brand but it is becoming increasingly clear that we can't because it might damage us in the future.
I have spoken to a few people about their experiences and almost everyone has said not to get on the wrong side of big brands because they have long memories (for when we actually do have some assets). Do we just keep it all to ourselves? Our brand mission involves speaking up about things that are going on in the fast fashion industry, it seems contradictory to not speak up to protect our brand.
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