We’ve all always been very fascinated by the idea of working in fashion houses be it Design House or Export House. Making a garment from scratch and to finally see on runways is a dream of many aspiring fashion design students

But what about the backbone of the entire product development process? How many of us really care to know how the working/ labour class is treated?

Underpaid and overworked are not the ends of the issue they face in every factory.  

• The agonizing seats, benches or stool chair they’re made to sit everyday on without a back support. They’re treated like machines to work from dawn to dusk who can’t complain.

• There are no proper lunch room or tables assigned for them, usually one will see them having lunch right next to their machines on the floor.

• What’s unhealthiest is that they do not have proper sanitisation. There are 2 washrooms for 100 people altogether.

• The shift of 8.5 hours which is made of 11 hours.

During lockdown they weren’t paid at all because of no work. After exploiting them for years mentally and physically all we left them was to die alone.

There are millions of brands that get their production done from India, Bangladesh and China because of cheap labour but how many of these brands do actually care about the whereabouts of the people who put their heart and soul out in manufacturing the garments that look the best in their capabilities.

This is a global issue and until or unless big brands come and talk about it and refrain from supporting the export houses who do this, nothing will set right to the so called normal environment.

Manufacturing unit:

It feels like Fashion has been hit by a typhoon to the core during Covid-19 Pandemic. The manufacturing of the AW’20 was stopped during the lockdown period. Every day we hear news of export houses closing down as the pre-pandemic orders remain dropped.  The iconic fashion shows also stand stagnant.

Online Industry:

But on the other hand, we also see boom in 3D design, online fashion shows and online retail industry business. Now that people prefer not stepping out of the house, they’ve indulged in online shopping even for designer wear. 

Haute couture designers that used to only fix a store visit meeting upon appointment are also taking online video call appointments. They’ve used holographic images, deluxe and sophisticate technologies. 

Business:

Business during this lockdown has slowed down. People have become sustainable and are buying what comes in their basic necessities as of now. They’ve cut short on their expenses on clothes cos most of the people are working from home or have lost jobs or have financial crunch. The business got slow cos of the 3 months of lockdown which costed a lot of daily wage workers and fashion staff their jobs. A lot of buying house and export houses have shut down or have cut down on the staff. 

Future:

Being optimistic and positive seems a little sceptical currently but there is a glimmer of hope for awaited future. Luxury brands like Chanel, Tiffany and co, Bulgari and Louis Vuitton had a price hike post lockdown in many countries including China. The price went up as high as by 5-17% in the range of bags and accessories. They have to make it up to the losses that emerged as a result of lockdown as several lives of the manufacturers stay downright. The companies have stated their support to the manufacturers via price hike.

Manufacturing unit:

It feels like Fashion has been hit by a typhoon to the core during Covid-19 Pandemic. The manufacturing of the AW’20 was stopped during the lockdown period. Every day we hear news of export houses closing down as the pre-pandemic orders remain dropped.  The iconic fashion shows also stand stagnant.

Online Industry:

But on the other hand, we also see boom in 3D design, online fashion shows and online retail industry business. Now that people prefer not stepping out of the house, they’ve indulged in online shopping even for designer wear. 

Haute couture designers that used to only fix a store visit meeting upon appointment are also taking online video call appointments. They’ve used holographic images, deluxe and sophisticate technologies. 

Business:

Business during this lockdown has slowed down. People have become sustainable and are buying what comes in their basic necessities as of now. They’ve cut short on their expenses on clothes cos most of the people are working from home or have lost jobs or have financial crunch. The business got slow cos of the 3 months of lockdown which costed a lot of daily wage workers and fashion staff their jobs. A lot of buying house and export houses have shut down or have cut down on the staff. 

Future:

Being optimistic and positive seems a little sceptical currently but there is a glimmer of hope for awaited future. Luxury brands like Chanel, Tiffany and co, Bulgari and Louis Vuitton had a price hike post lockdown in many countries including China. The price went up as high as by 5-17% in the range of bags and accessories. They have to make it up to the losses that emerged as a result of lockdown as several lives of the manufacturers stay downright. The companies have stated their support to the manufacturers via price hike.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton