Education is a basic human right. You may glaze over this fact, because surely, it pales in comparison to clean water and a roof over your head? Well, while these elements are indeed living essentials, education is the gateway to better – better knowledge on legal aid, nutrition, business, and the world beyond where you live.
In Bangladesh, a nation whose economy relies on its textile and clothing industries, basic educational opportunities are particularly limited for women. So do the math. A lack of education can be the root of several problems, including those in healthcare, government policies, and more.
A lot of these women make up the bulk of its workers, and its inadequate system is stalling progress. In comes UNIQLO, the major Japanese label (under Fast Retailing Group) with a production base in Bangladesh. It aims to combat this issue with a simple collaboration, that of UNIQLO aesthetics and philosophies and the traditional Bangladeshi dress shalwar kameez.
UNIQLO Factory Worker Empowerment Project is a capsule collection inspired by the shalwar kameez, and it utilises natural materials such as gauze and high quality cotton. Its pieces are minimalist, relying on delicate embroidery, woven patterns, and bright hues for edge and vibrancy. It’s comfortable, light, and easy to wear – the UNIQLO LifeWear concept.
UNIQLO Factory Worker Empowerment Project is a part of Business for Social Responsibility (BSR), an international nonprofit organization with a solid record in providing educational support for females in developing nations. It helps women acquire a range of living skills, particularly in basic nutrition, hygiene and healthcare relating to pregnancy, childbirth and other areas, as well as household management.
That’s 20,000 working women who are equipped with the knowledge to further themselves and the country they love. We speak to Mr. Yukihiro Nitta, the Senior Vice President of Fast Retailing Group, about this project.
Nookmag: Hi Mr. Nitta, share with us what sparked the Factory Worker Empowerment Project.
Mr. Yukihiro Nitta: UNIQLO aims to offer clothing that enriches lives worldwide. We believe that traditional clothing offers the ultimate in comfort, in that it is specifically designed for the local environmental and social conditions – and in this way, is in keeping with UNIQLO’s LifeWear concept. We will use some proceeds from the sale of the collection to support the education of women working in garment factories in Bangladesh that produce clothing for UNIQLO.
Nookmag: How does doing good and being socially responsible play a part for Fast Retailing as a brand?
Mr. Yukihiro Nitta: At Fast Retailing, giving back is a fundamental aspect of our business. Fast Retailing’s stated mission “is to create truly great clothing with new and unique value, and to enable people all over the world to experience the joy, happiness and satisfaction of wearing such great clothes”. Producing truly great clothing, sourcing and processing responsibly, minimising environmental impact in the supply chain, and giving back to the communities in which we do business worldwide are all essential aspects of how we do business. [And] in order to provide truly meaningful support, it is essential to understand the challenges faced where we do business, including the needs of locals. Through clothing, and responding to local needs, we aim to address social issues.
Nookmag: Aesthetically, what were the considerations taken when designing the capsule collection?
Mr. Yukihiro Nitta: The theme of the new collection is ‘simple, traditional looks reinvented by UNIQLO,’ and the company has blended treasured traditions and modern simplicity with the LifeWear concept. It was also important for us that the products can be layered and styled in different ways, and coordinated with other UNIQLO items, as an aspect of LifeWear.
Nookmag: And lastly, what ties do you see between the fashion industry and social responsibility?
Mr. Yukihiro Nitta: With globalisation and digitisation, information flows more freely and people are more connected than ever before. Beyond the fashion industry, there is a need for all businesses to work with and support society. To us, social responsibility is an integral part of our business. As a company that produces and sells clothing, we aim to give back to society through our business, including through the power of clothing – a power that sustains life, and expresses values and identity.
The full collection will retail in Singapore exclusively at UNIQLO Jem from 25 May as well as at the online store. It will consist of 13 designs that will retail between SGD14.90 to SGD49.90. The cotton lawn scarves from the line will be available all stores except Changi Airport, One@KentRidge, One KM, and One Raffles Place.
