Commemorating Rana Plaza with a Different Kind of Fashion Show

Yesterday marked the fifth anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This tragedy ultimately killed more than 1,100 people, many of whom had been pressured to continue working to produce apparel in a building that was visibly unsafe.

The anniversary of this event is commemorated each year by Fashion Revolution Week, which prompts each of us to ask “Who made my clothes?” and hold brands accountable for their supply chains, wages and working conditions.

Two local brands in Indianapolis, Liz Alig and People for Urban Progress, celebrated the spirit of Fashion Revolution by hosting a Slow Fashion Runway Show. All garments and accessories presented in the show were made of repurposed, handwoven or natural textiles and were produced ethically.

Designers from Liz Alig and PUP were recognized at the end of the show



Display of PUP's products

People for Urban Progress specializes in creating bags and wallets out of repurposed materials



People shopping in a warehouse setting

Guests had the opportunity to shop both brands after the runway show



I’ve written about Liz Alig before, as the brand is not only local to Indianapolis, but is truly one of the most consistent brands I’ve ever encountered in terms of demonstrating its social and environmental values. Liz Alig uses upcycled fabrics & handwoven textiles and partners with fair trade cooperatives around the world to produce their garments, with the goal of providing employment and opportunities for women.

People for Urban Progress is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization that creates products using discarded materials that contain a piece of Indy’s history. Some notable materials they repurpose are the covering of the former Hoosier Dome and outdoor signage from Super Bowl 46, which was held in Indianapolis. Each product is handmade in Indy by local artists.

Check out the galleries below to see the collections that were on display at the Slow Fashion Runway Show.

Liz Alig’s Collection


People for Urban Progress’ Collection

It’s Clothing Swap Time Again!

Are you depressed by winter doldrums? Is your life an endless and unvarying gray cloud? Do you find yourself wearing a burlap sack every day because you just can’t muster the energy to care?

Screenshot of registration websiteFret not, my pretties! It’s clothing swap time again! And we’re very optimistic, so we’re calling it SpringSwap18. Suck it, winter.

Join us at New Day Craft on Wednesday, Feb. 28 from 6–8pm for a jubilant evening of apparel, accessories, cider, friendship and more. Due to our cozy space, there are only 30 spots available, so sign up now!

See the deets and register >>