Fashion

The double-standard: Is “Made in the USA” always ethically made?

Published

1 day ago

September 18, 2024

The double-standard: Is “Made in the USA” always ethically made?

In recent years, the “Made in the USA” label has become synonymous with quality and ethical manufacturing practices. Many consumers associate this label with fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmentally friendly practices. However, the reality is more complex. While there are many ethical manufacturers in the United States, the assumption that all American-made products are inherently ethical is a double-standard that warrants closer examination.

The assumption that all American-made products are inherently ethical is a double-standard that warrants closer examination

Where do the ethical assumptions come from?

The perception that products made in the USA are always ethically produced stems from several factors. Firstly, the United States has relatively stringent labor laws compared to many other countries. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets minimum wage, overtime pay, record-keeping, and youth employment standards. Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates workplace safety, aiming to reduce work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths.

These regulations create a framework that can lead to better working conditions. Furthermore, the environmental regulations enforced by agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are designed to minimize pollution and encourage sustainable practices.

The reality check

Despite these regulations, ethical lapses can and do occur within American manufacturing. A few key areas highlight the potential ethical issues:

Labor violations. Despite labor laws, violations are not uncommon. The US Department of Labor often uncovers wage theft, unsafe working conditions, and exploitation of vulnerable workers, particularly in industries such as agriculture, construction, and garment manufacturing. Reports indicate that some manufacturers, especially smaller ones, may not fully comply with labor laws, sometimes due to insufficient enforcement or oversight.
Subcontracting and supply chains. Many American brands subcontract portions of their production to smaller factories or overseas suppliers where labor conditions may not meet the same standards. This can lead to situations where the final product, while labeled “Made in the USA,” involves unethical practices at some stage of its production.
Environmental concerns. While the U.S. has significant environmental regulations, enforcement can be inconsistent. Some industries, such as chemical manufacturing, have been found to pollute waterways and air impacting local communities’ health and the environment. The Flint Water Crisis is a poignant example of how regulatory failures can lead to severe public health issues.

What should fashion companies do to meet ethical manufacturing standards?

To navigate the complex landscape of ethical manufacturing, some brands go above and beyond the minimum legal requirements. Certifications like Fair Trade USA, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) offer additional assurance of ethical practices.

In order to improve the state of ethical manufacturing, traceability and conducting a Life Cycle Assessment can help prevent risks

In addition to having certifications, the “Made in the USA” label is not a guaranteed indicator of ethical manufacturing. While American labor and environmental regulations provide a foundation for ethical practices, gaps in enforcement and the complexities of global supply chains mean that not all products bearing this label are ethically made. In order to improve the state of ethical manufacturing with clothes that are made in the USA, traceability to identify ethical risks, along with the whole value chain, and conducting a Life Cycle Assessment can help prevent risks while moving from one stage to another.

Traceability plays a crucial role in identifying and mitigating ethical risks along the entire value chain in the clothing industry. By tracking the origin, journey, and transformation of materials, companies can ensure that ethical standards are maintained from the raw material stage to the finished product. Traceability enables companies to:

Verify compliance. Ensure all suppliers adhere to ethical standards, including fair labor practices, environmental sustainability, and human rights protections.
Identify gaps. Detect and address potential ethical violations, such as unsafe working conditions or environmentally harmful practices, before they escalate.
Enhance transparency. Provide consumers with verifiable information about the ethical practices involved in producing their clothing, thereby building trust and brand loyalty.

Conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) is instrumental in preventing risks from shifting from one stage of the value chain to another. An LCA evaluates the environmental and social impacts of a product throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. Here’s how LCAs contribute to mitigating ethical risks:

Holistic evaluation. By examining every stage of the product’s life cycle, LCAs help identify potential ethical risks across the entire value chain, ensuring that improvements in one area do not lead to issues in another.
Informed decision-making. Companies can make more informed decisions about sourcing, production, and distribution, choosing processes and materials that minimize negative ethical impacts.
Continuous improvement. LCAs provide a framework for ongoing assessment and improvement, allowing companies to adapt and refine their practices to address emerging ethical concerns.

At BCome, we support your fashion business in ensuring that regardless of the “made in” label on your products, the entire journey from raw material extraction to the finished product delivery meets the highest ethical standards. Our mission is to help you identify areas for improvement. We tailor our services to your specific needs, shall we talk?

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Fashion Models

The Top 10 Highest Paid Models of 2022 | Runway Collection

Published

2 mins ago

September 20, 2024

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The Top 10 Highest Paid Models of 2022 | Runway Collection

NLS MODELS PRESENT top 10 highest paid models 2022.
Suscribe to! ♥️🙏🏻

TikTok: @models.nls

MUSIC:
Cyberpunk- Max Brhon
Redemption- Max Brhon
Danell Arma- Let’s do this

Time Stamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:15 Liu Wen
0:55 Joan Smalls
2:05 Bella Hadid
4:13 Gigi Hadid
5:43 Cara Dlevigne
7:33 Adriana Lima
8:36 Rosie Huntington
9:37 Gisele Bündchen
11:10 Chrissy Teigen
11:28 Kendall Jenner

Models:Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Liu Wen, Adriana Lima, Gisele Bundchen, Joan Smalls, Rosie Huntington, Chrissy Teigen, Cara Delevigne.

Liu Wen: Liu Wen for Chloé, Liu Wen for Tod’s, Liu Wen for Versace, Liu Wen for Jacquemus, Liu Wen for Valentino.
Joan Smalls: Joan Smalls for Jacquemus, Joan Smalls for Jean Paul Gaultier, Joan Smalls for Moschino, Joan Smalls for Tom Ford, Joan smalls for Versace.

Bella Hadid: Bella Hadid for Versace, Bella Hadid for Michael Kors, Bella Hadid for Thom Browne, Bella Hadid for Ports 1961, Bella Hadid for Coperni. Bella Hadid Runway. Bella Hadid iconic moments.

Gigi Hadid: Gigi Hadid for Michael Kors, Gigi Hadid for Versace, Gigi Hadid for Stella Mcartney, Gigi Hadid for Ralph Lauren, Gigi Hadid for Moschino. Gigi Hadid hair flip. Gigi Hadid Runway.

Cara Delevigne: Cara Delevigne for Ami Pris, Cara Delevigne for TopShop, Cara Delevigne for Burberry, Cara Delevigne for Balmain, Cara Delevigne for Chanel.

Adriana Lima: Adriana Lima for Versace, Adriana Lima for Miu Miu, Adriana lima for Victoria’s secret.

Rosie Huntington: Rosie Huntingtong for Balmain, Rosie Huntington for Versace.

Gisele Bündchen: Gisele Bündchen for Chanel, Gisele Bündchen for Balenciaga, Gisele Bündchen for Versace, Gisele Bündchen for Victoria’s Secret. Gisele Bundchen Runway.

Kendall Jenner: Kendall Jenner for Proenza Schouler, Kendall Jenner for Corregés, Kendall Jenner for Michael Kors, Kendall Jenner for Versace, Kendall Jenner Runway.

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. All the videos, sources of information, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and this channel does not claim any right over them.

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Fashion Models

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September 20, 2024

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Fashion Models

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Fashion

Rappers who Broke Genders Norms with Women‘s Clothing #diddy #youngthug #jadensmith #kidcudi #shorts

Published

27 mins ago

September 20, 2024

NewsAdmin

Rappers who Broke Genders Norms with Women‘s Clothing #diddy #youngthug #jadensmith #kidcudi #shorts

In recent years, several male rappers have embraced fashion styles that challenge traditional gender norms, incorporating elements typically associated with women’s fashion. This style is often characterized by fluidity, androgyny, and a bold rejection of conventional masculine stereotypes. Here’s a closer look:

1. **Androgynous Fashion**: Artists like Young Thug have been pioneers in breaking down gender barriers in rap fashion. He has famously worn dresses, skirts, and sheer fabrics in both his music videos and public appearances. This androgynous style reflects a growing acceptance of fluidity in both gender and fashion, allowing rappers to express themselves more freely without conforming to rigid masculine standards.

2. **High-Fashion Influence**: Some rappers, such as Lil Uzi Vert and Jaden Smith, mix high-fashion with feminine elements. They wear items like blouses, tight-fitting clothing, handbags, and even skirts, often drawing from high-end designers like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Rick Owens. Their style often combines traditionally feminine silhouettes with more neutral or streetwear-inspired pieces, creating a hybrid, avant-garde look.

3. **Makeup and Accessories**: Beyond clothing, some male rappers have embraced traditionally feminine accessories and makeup. Jewelry like pearl necklaces, earrings, nail polish, and eyeliner have become part of their everyday looks, further blurring the lines between masculine and feminine aesthetics. A$AP Rocky, for example, is known for wearing pearl necklaces and experimenting with bold fashion choices that push gender norms.

This trend reflects a larger cultural shift toward inclusivity and self-expression, showing that in rap, fashion can be a powerful tool for challenging stereotypes and expressing individuality.

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Fashion Models

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48 mins ago

September 20, 2024

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DIVINE MUGISHA: an elite model diary SS25 More…

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Fashion Models

Top 10 Hottest Australian Female Models #australiahotmodels

Published

1 hour ago

September 20, 2024

NewsAdmin

Top 10 Hottest Australian Female Models #australiahotmodels

In this video we will figure out the most hot and beautiful Australian hot models.
#australian #australiahotmodels #australiahotgirls
Top 10 Hottest Australian Female Models 2023 | Australian models

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