So, after over a year of work, writing, research and discussions, the winning of the award is the ideal opportunity to give some well merited ‘thank yous’, to look back, and – much more importantly – to look ahead.
It is also an opportunity to renew the commitment – or charter, if you prefer – of this blog.
The ‘Thank Yous’:
I think, first and foremost I need to thank those that have been challenging me constantly, and who continue to do so. Those that do and did disagree with my views, the way I look at the world. They helped this blog grow knowing that if Shirahime manages to convince even one of them, a stone has been moved into the right direction.
Then there are my old friends in Japan, who prove everyday that thousands of miles are nothing when it comes to friendship or participating in someone’s life – provided there is commitment.
And finally, my family, and: my network here in Europe, who has the confidence to share their concerns in the ethical fashion arena with me. Their hands on experiences with entrepreneurs, suppliers, press and buyers, consumers. They are, and will remain, the inspiration behind Shirahime – in the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Looking Back:
Objective data, honest discussion, and un-biased writing about issues related to fashion – also ethical fashion – is something that is rare. Most publications or blogs are either consumer oriented (‘Look at these cool, new designs. Go and buy them’), brand oriented (‘Look how cool we are. Go and buy our stuff’) and anything in between. Even ethical fashion blogs aren’t very different overall.
Yet, perceivably a slight – but relevant – shift has occurred over the span of the past 12 months. The language in which ethical fashion is written about is more on par with mainstream designers on the one hand – very good, that’s what we want to see – as well as more concrete, facts driven and hands-on for how brands work, and how they deliver their work.
Maybe Shirahime is a pioneer in this context, maybe not. But I’m glad that the overall trend is going into the right direction. It shows that Shirahime’s small contribution is helping to move the the foundations of the building upon which the fashion industry is built.
Naturally, there are remain plenty of down sides: plentiful nepotism in the ethical fashion scene, unpaid interns and low salaries of local employees, in-transparencies left-right-and-centre. But these are concrete issues that can be addressed on a case-by-case basis – and Shirahime certainly aims at contributing its share. But the compass needle is slowly changing direction and heading to the correct North.
Where is Shirahime heading to?
With the award, there are basically 2 ways to go forward as a blog. Rest upon the laurels earned, wrap it all up, and just let it be, because in fact it’s difficult to reach any higher than this.
Or: Accept the award as what Shirahime understands it to be – a commitment to try, push boundaries, step on the occasional toes if needed, and keep pressing much needed accountability and transparency of both, the ethical fashion / textile / beauty industry, and it’s ethical counter part.
Just because there is ‘ethical’ on the label, does not always mean there is also ‘ethical’ in the product. And the other way around – the ‘villains’ are not always who they appear to be. There is a lot of work ahead that needs doing.
Finally, also so untraditional topics need be included in the discussion. Perfumery for one (did you know that the perfume industry is doing a thorough job of making away with near-extinct species of our global flora and fauna?); or the progressively more frequent efforts by overseas communities to drive their own business rather than waiting for Western patrons.
Shirahime’s commitment
Shirahime’s aim is, and was from the outset, to provide concise information, insights and facts about the fashion industry for an interested public, with the ultimate goal to seed knowledge as to why this industry must change and become more sustainable. In doing so, Shirahime does however not spare the ethical fashion ‘scene’: Being ethical means being ethical throughout which is first and foremost the display of accountability, transparency and – importantly – respect towards suppliers, staff, consumers, and future generations. Not always there is ‘ethical’ in what is claimed to be so.
Trying to comply with the the best journalistic credentials, Shirahime’s commitment is composed of the following characteristics:
- Independence: Shirahime strives to be objective, impartial, and to only judge achievements on a results/merit/fact base.
- Transparency: All Shirahime authors will always publish under their own name, with affiliations made clear from the outset. Our articles cannot be bought or traded for favours. Shirahime is, and will remain, independent from any fashion brand, producing entity or industry interest group. Shirahime does not have, and will never have, a hidden agenda.
- When saying transparency I do mean it: It is here that I, Pamela Ravasio, as the founder and managing editor of Shirahime, have to disclose that at this time, my part-time day job as press officer at Pachacuti, the fair trade Panama hat specialist, is paying the bills.
Although I do my utmost to avoid a conflict of interest, this professional link is in the present not negligible. - Accountability: Shirahime is responsible for what the authors write. It is the responsibility of its founder, Dr. Pamela Ravasio, to make sure that all claims are based on accurate, correct and well researched data and knowledge, and that personal opinions are made apparent as what they are. The spreading of false rumours or claims based on an uncertain fact base is not acceptable.
- Respect: Shirahime does not judge any individual or organisation (commercial or other) without the appropriate fact base in place. The blog will make sure that these facts are available to the readers so as to make transparent how the judgement comes into being. Shirahime encourages active discussion and intervention of individuals and organisations contesting the message of an article. No comment will be deleted unless it is written in an insulting, offensive style or uses foul language.
- Learning & Education: Shirahime’s ultimate goal is to promote and support a paradigm shift in the fashion industry and across fashion businesses of all sizes as to how business is being done in a best-of-class manner. At the same time, we also support consumers in educating themselves and change their fashion lifestyle and habits towards a ‘better’ incarnation.
- Commitment to quality, honesty: Shirahime’s is committed to be honest, truthful at any given moment. The authors will do their best to avoid mistakes in their reporting, and to research uninfluenced by stake holders of any fashion political interest group.
