Q I know it's a bit too early to be worrying about Christmas presents, but I want to give some ethically sourced fashion items for friends this time around. I don't know where to start. Cait, Waterford
A The real trouble with the phrase "ethically sourced" is that it doesn't mean the item in question is made in a safe, happy environment by Disney princesses and their anthropomorphic pets and household objects. It just means that it's made to the minimum legal standard. This month, Elle celebrated its first feminism issue by commissioning a range of "ethically sourced" T-shirts, the proceeds of which go to the Fawcett Society, a campaign for equality between the sexes. The T-shirts, which have "This is what a feminist looks like" scrawled on the front, were on sale for a hot minute before claims of unethical production conditions were made. It was eventually declared that the factory workers making the T-shirts (mostly women) were not being exploited, but nor are they toiling away in a comfortable environment.
It's well worth checking out the Second Skin exhibition at the National Craft Gallery in Kilkenny, which focuses on the design and manufacturing process of four Wardrobing favourites: Natalie Coleman, Joanne Hynes, Lennon Courtney and Jennifer Rothwell. Buy presents from small businesses; try Etsy (etsy.com) for homegrown wonders. We are Islanders (Weareislanders.com) is a small Irish label doing good. And Lucy Siegle's book To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out the World? is a worthy, if depressing, stocking filler.
(L-R) People Tree handmade necklace, £36. We Are Islanders black laptop clutch, €125. Toms slip-on shoes, €45 from Schuh
Email your wardrobe woes to wardrobing@irishtimes.com
