Faculty and student models shimmied down the catwalk in last Friday’s Students for Social Justice Bazaar, which presented clothing from companies which do not use sweatshops and support fair labor.
“We wanted to give the Fairfield community a chance to learn about socially responsible businesses and have some fun,” said Kevin Donohue ’07, the club president.
The fashion show featured items from American Apparel and No Sweat Apparel, both of which produce clothing and footwear through independent trade unions in the U.S., Canada and the developing world.
Another company that was represented was Homeboy Industries, a business that was founded by Fr. Greg Boyle and employs former gang members in Los Angeles. Its slogan is “Jobs not Jails.”
Dr. Phil Lane, chair of the economics department, Jeanne C. Di Muzio, director for Fairfield’s health and wellness education services, and Fr. Michael Doody, University chaplain, volunteered to strut their modeling talent in the fashion show.
The club’s goals were drawing attention towards the conditions of sweatshops in addition to providing a solution to the problem.
“I think that people are aware that there’s this ‘thing’ going on regarding sweatshops, but they don’t know the details,” said Sabina Rival ’07, a member of the club and master of ceremonies for the event.
“If people come here, they’ll have a better idea. The Students for Social Justice upped this bazaar up, so it’s that much more for the students to get out of it.”
Kristin Villanueva ’09 agreed.
“I think when people are buying clothes, they don’t think that their coming from sweatshops. Hopefully, by doing this bazaar, some students will realize they have other options besides Gap and Abercrombie ‘ Fitch,” she said.
“People do realize that their clothing comes from sweatshops, but if it’s on sale, they will tend to buy it to save money,” Sarah Alecozay ’09 said.
Students in the audience agreed that most of their peers are unaware that most of their clothing is manufactured in sweatshops.
“I think people are unaware of Third- World countries in terms of sweatshops and they just buy the clothes without knowing where they come from,” said Nicole Fersa ’10.
“I hadn’t really thought about the things I was buying,” said Josh Shettle ’09, one of the student models. He added that the event was a learning experience for him in being more conscious of the clothing he purchases.
Connor O’Kane, associate director for Campus Ministry, does not think that Fairfield students are apathetic to the problem of sweatshops.
“Lots of people are socially conscious in the foods they eat and clothes they wear. I think it can be overwhelming when you look at it, but I think people who have had the most success in incorporating awareness has done one or two things,” O’Kane said.
“A lot of people doing small things can make a big difference. Apathy is starting to slip away. There’s a fire for justice. That’s what I want Fairfield to be known for,” he added.
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