Journey to the Sources of Ethical Fashion

By Lionel Astruc

Wow, here's one of my dreams, to review books... I was pretty good at that in school...

Publisher's Summary: The "shame factories" that make our clothes, jewelry, and other fashion items continue to thrive, despite being known to all. However, another type of fashion is emerging! Trendy sneakers made of natural latex, organic fair-trade cotton t-shirts, recycled plastic wallets... These items, inspired by eco-design, embody a new utopia, ecological and sustainable: ethical fashion. But how are the commitments displayed on these products translated? Are they really upheld? For the first time, the author traces these supply chains in India, Madagascar, Cambodia, Brazil, Bolivia, and France. From the suburbs of Mumbai or Phnom Penh to the heart of the Amazon rainforest, this book immerses us in the lives of producers and tailors. These stories and photos show how much our consumption choices can improve the lives of these producers and workers: another fashion is possible!
Author's Biography: Photographer and journalist, Lionel Astruc specializes in long-term reports on ecology and the solidarity economy around the world. He traces the supply chains of pioneering products in this field (organic food, responsible tourism, ethical fashion, etc.), to highlight their advantages, but also to reveal their limitations. His work has been featured in books, articles, and exhibitions in Berlin, New York, and Paris.

My opinion: Well, if you're new to the world of ethical fashion or want to start your own business in textiles or accessories, it's really very interesting and informative. I'm a little disappointed, perhaps because I expected more in-depth discussion on the choice of this alternative. Also because ethical fashion is part of my professional life, I've really delved into it... However, it's really well written and can be read quickly, and the photos are superb; I found it moving to see the seamstresses wearing the products that brands will sell here!

Basically, if you're interested in ethical fashion, this book is for you; it introduces you to organic cotton, wild silk, alpaca, and also the history of some ethical brands.
The only downside is that Peau-Ethique isn't mentioned, because, without boasting, we are the pioneers of ethical lingerie in France :)