Inspire 77 - balbo debra: Mať možnosť zdobiť sa

 

Text: Boba Baluchová (písané pre magazín Inspire 77/2016), Foto: Palo Markovič

How I tracked down: who made my clothes

Fashion Revolution Week has just started. During this week we're honoring the thousands of people who lost or almost lost their lives in the Rana Plaza complex collapse in Bangladesh three years ago. It is the best timing to take an action.

Have you ever asked a question: #whomademyclothes and tracked down the fashion brand of the item you use to buy? It could be very interesting self-learning process. I tracked down Australian brand: Cotton On that made my grey jumper. Even if that item was made in China (I guess its whole manufacture is located in Asia) – the Cotton On Group is very clear and transparent about its activities on its website. The representatives wrote the Ethical Practice Framework to support them in making choices about what they will (and won’t) do. They also set up Cotton On foundation to implement particular development cooperation activities in Uganda. An interesting reading indeed.




You do not need to go to developing country to understand what is going on in fashion garments industry, do you? But if you need that kind of lecture – read the story of three Norwegian fashion bloggers who agreed to star in a month-long reality show in Cambodia one year ago. Girls witnessed human rights violations and terrible working conditions of garments manufacture workers. Finally they had to admit that "they are rich because it costs them 10 euros to buy a T-shirt at large fashion brand, such as H&M. (But somebody else has to starve for them to be able to buy it.)"

Be active, be curious – read more about the topic. Unfortunately there are so many stories about Third World garments industry where workers are still children – facing very bad conditions and earning so little to keep a roof over their heads. After that (soon or later) you will start to think about shopping and dressing in more ethical way. It happened to me some years ago... Only by our deeper interest, public awareness and fashion brands' transparency we can eliminate inequity in fashion manufacture.

Written by: Boba Markovic Baluchova, Photo: Palo Markovic
#fashRev #ethicalFashion #sustainableFashion #fairFashion

I care about the future of Takapuna Sunday Market

Every Sunday the Takapuna Carpark transforms into one of the most original and vibrant places in Auckland visited by locals and tourists. Every Sunday we use to go there to original ‪Takapuna Sunday Market because of beautiful milticultural atmosphere and the offer of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy food, hand-made products, Kiwi music, vintage items and second-hand clothing. 
Now that public land is set for sale and redevelopment. If you care about the future of the public market place built from the bottom up, consider joining the initiative Save Takapuna Carpark: https://www.facebook.com/SaveTakapunaCarpark Balbo deBra already signed the petition (to save this place) because she cares about it / I care about the future of Takapuna Sunday Market!

Written by: Boba M. Baluchova, Photo: Palo Markovic
#SaveTakapunaCarpark #SaveSundayMarket

Following 7 steps towards Fair Fashion

Have you ever considered to shop and dress more ethically? No? It's not that tough job! Just follow these few steps to support Fair Fashion...

- Start by asking #whomademyclothes and tracking down the story behind the products you want to buy.
- Critically think, debate, read and watch documentaries about organic farming and fair-trade initiatives.
- You should also check the quality and sustainability of the items you want to wear (and want them to last).
- You can always buy some stylish clothes from vintage / second-hand shop on your street.
- Try to support local brand or hand-made designer. Local design is original and artisanal work is unique!
- Re-create / up-cycle your clothes from last season. Surprise yourself by creative mood.
- Do not forget to support organizations and initiatives (Ethical fashion initiative, Clean clothes campaign, Fashion revolution etc.) in their work to improve human rights and working conditions of garments manufacture workers in developing countries.
#balbodebra has taken all these actions already! Check the examples on her Balbo deBra style Fanpage and get inspired, :)

balbodebra - buying colorful fabrics from local producer in Zanzibar (summer 2013).

Written by: Boba Markovic Baluchova, Photo: Palo Markovic
#fairFashion #sustainableFashion #ethicalfashion #fashRev

A bit of my activism in Auckland

Even-though I'm European woman (currently living in Auckland) I've decided to support #iamNZ campaign of New Zealand's organization: Africa on my sleeve to encourage and acknowledge everyone's unique potential and identity. 

 Written by: Boba Markovic Baluchova, Photo: Palo Markovic 

I walked the labyrinth

The labyrinth is an archetype, a divine imprint, found in all religious traditions in various forms around the world. By walking a labyrinth, we are rediscovering a long-forgotten mystical tradition. The labyrinth's path winds throughout and becomes a mirror for where we are in our lives.
At the end of March (during Holy week) I walked the labyrinth in St Matthew's-in-the-city church in Auckland. It was first installed in 2009 - based on a medieval design and it's really beautiful.

Written by: Boba Markovic Baluchova, Photo: Palo Markovic

The best person who has ever happened to me

On St Valentine's week we're celebrating our '16 years together' anniversary! Paul taught me what it is to be loved, to give and take and to build a life together. He's the best person who has ever happened to me.. Happy St Valentine's day to you!

Written by: Boba Markovic Baluchova, Photo:  Petra Rjabinin