On Thursday, September 12, 2024, we organized an event themed “What is the Real Price of Our Clothes?” The space for the panel, quiz, and mini-exhibition was provided by the cafe Filteraj. The event was hosted by Tena Lavrenčić, an activist and advocate for Slow Fashion (Thinking Threads).

During the quiz, we learned about the differences between the textile industry in the 1990s and today, as well as facts about recycling and waste production. We then handled textile scraps to guess the materials and the percentage of synthetics in each piece. We also guessed the prices and the time required to make various sewn and crocheted items.

From former Orljava worker Robertina Alavanić, we heard about the true price paid by textile workers who sew our clothes: they endure difficult working conditions and struggle to survive on poverty wages. Their health suffers because they cannot afford quality food, and due to the nature of their work, they develop numerous occupational diseases, including issues with the spine, shoulders, and vision.

Ana-Marija Mileusnić from Zelena akcija (Friends of the Earth Croatia) explained the environmental cost of mass clothing production. Novi sindikat commented on the working conditions and wages within our textile industry.

We concluded that the price of clothing production in the fast fashion industry today is far too high and that fashion needs to slow down significantly!

We hope to see you at a similar event soon!