AISLING BEA IS gaining something of a cult status in Ireland, despite being yet another Irish comedy export to the UK.
But what’s great about Aisling being such a success in the UK is that her audience is much larger so she can influence the world about important Irish cultural things.
Things like how lit sandwiches at a wake can be.
However, Aisling is also bringing publicity to environmental and social issues by participating in two ethical clothing two challenges: the #WhoMadeMyClothes and #30Wears challenges.
Fashion Revolution, who are behind the #WhoMadeMyClothes campaign, says:
The more people who ask #whomademyclothes, the more brands will listen. Use your voice and your power to change the fashion industry. Together we are stronger.
The campaign originated in the wake of 2013 Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh where 1,138 people were killed, with around 2,300 rescued with non-fatal injuries.
Clothing companies such as Irish-owned Primark, along with Walmart Monsoon Accessorize and Mango used the rundown 8-story factory to make clothes. The majority of clothing bought in the western world is made in developing, former colonial countries due to cheap labour and 19th century-esque labour laws.
Walmart (who are the biggest recipient of social welfare in America), along with other companies like GAP, refused to enforce strict new labour laws on their factories and working conditions in order to prevent another Rana Plaza disaster and give dignity to workers.
With a huge focus on price of clothing instead of quality, we have become a society that buys cheap thrills that can be thrown away the next day.
One study found that on average each American throws away 32 Kilograms of textile/clothing per year, which is equivalent in weight to over 200 men’s T-shirts. The #30Wears campaign wants to challenge you to think ‘will I wear this 30 times’ before you wear it.
Like Repeal, this campaign will need to be grassroots in order to be successful.
Companies, like the Irish Government, will not change their policy unless we as consumers demand it.
So here’s seven Instagram pics of Aisling Bea doing the challenges that can hopefully inspire you too.
1. She’s honesty too adorable
2. Plugging some ethical Irish brands
Some #ethicalfashion bits from your ole pal Aisling. Got my lovely red cowboy boot for £45 @rokitvintage & they’re built to last and my cosy, black velour jacket is made by Irish eco fashion company @theoandgeorge - all the other bits are high street pieces I’ve had for years and the skirt I’ve seen up a tear in (don’t ask).
She explains a bit more the reasoning behind her joining the campaigns:
I’m trying to wear the hell out of my clothes, buy less & buy well and ask brands #whomademyclothes to make sure the people who made them were paid fairly. It’s easier to do than you think & businesses change their ethos if there’s a consumer demand. That’s us. There’s ways of doing it on all budgets. @thecostumedirectory@fash_rev
3. Woah Mama! Morv London are now on our radar with this jumpsuit
Tonight we’re at the #broadcastdigitalawards - Taskmaster was nominated & little Alex Horne was hosting, but we lost to Love Island. Very much a Sophie’s Choice for me. (My gorgeous play suit is from ethical brand who I LOVE @morvlondon - she employs only women in her factories who are all paid properly. And they don’t need ironing.)
4. Michael Jackson never looked this good
As they say in Ireland “TRILLLER”. Here I am proudly looking like a later era Michael Jackson at the @londonirishcentre on Tuesday & for some reason looking the wrong way. My #ethicaloutfit is an ooooold , admittedly high street, skirt I wear to death, a @reformation shirt and this lil jacket from a vintage shop which ole Mamma Bea is in love with. #30wearschallenge #whomademyclothes
5. Another Morv London design
It’s only Aisling at the bloody polo (40 mins of polo, eight hours of drinking). My mother is a pro flat race jockey so watching princes play golf on horses is far from what I was reared – BUT WHAT FUN. My panther dress is by amazing ethical designer @morvlondon Xxx
6. Self-depreciating mirror selfies are her bread and butter
Ahahahha. Whoops. You just caught me laughing. Today’s #EthicalOutfitinvolves my new £3 shorts from @faracharityshops with a reclaimed army jacket that some American stall holder jazzed up & a @helprefugeesuk tee-shirt. The little red shorts were a great find and I was able to wear them to work like a footballer would. #30wearschallenge@fash_rev
7. Any repeal jumper was ethical fashion, goddamnit
This Repeal the 8th/Vote Yes jumper is a work of ART by @faye_dinsmore & @ciaraharrison_maker - knitted and embroidered in Ireland. I AM PRAYING TO MY GODS & CRYSTAL HEALERS for a big old yes turnout tomorrow. COME ON THE LADZ & GALZ IN GREEN. Hilda, my hallway mannequin looks like a No voter, but she’s not.
