Following January’s violent crackdown on Cambodian garment workers, a group of women decided they wanted a new way to draw attention to the workers’ struggle; something different where workers could express for themselves what was really going on.

They decided on a fashion show where workers would model the brand-name clothes they make everyday in the factories, but they’d do it with a very clear message to the brands – stop the violence, stop the exploitation and pay a decent wage. The show weaved together fashion, dance, music, and performance art; at one point men dressed in makeshift ‘Joe Fresh’ riot gear took to the catwalk before reenacting January’s violent crackdown and the death of a worker on stage. For more information on how Cambodian garment workers are draw attention to their rights, click here.

Photograph: Garment workers recover after 100 women fainted at Sabrina Garment factory – a supplier of Nike and Lululemon.  Filthy Rebena is committed to fighting for a living wage for Cambodian garment workers.  We are lucky enough to have sexy and savvy customers that make the conscious choice to purchase garments from Filthy Rebena as 5% of their purchase goes to “Labour Behind The Label”.   Labour Behind The Label is an organization that supports the principle of a living wage for garment workers world wide.  Together we can make a difference in the lives of Cambodian workers.

Source: Heather Stilwell