CAN FASHION BE A LIFESAVER?

Taking a humanitarian approach to fashion, United Fabric comes from a unique angle, putting clothing at the very centre of their mission. Unlike other charity movements, these are not your typical merchandise; they are vessels born out of necessity, designed to draw attention and raise funds for significant crises happening around the world.

Shown here is the LIFE-BAG, a wearable bag that doubles as a floatation device, rooted in the increasing prevalence of climate flooding in Pakistan and across the globe.

Next, we have a take on the button-down shirt that can be modified to adjust to local customs: a celebration of our highly interconnected, diverse and multi-polar world and a statement against rising global xenophobia.

Following this, a simple ceremonial long-sleeve shirt is made from sox rectangles in one universal size, an attempt at unity in fabric and sustainable timelessness. It is through this piece that they explore the people and places of Nigeria, so it is fitting that it was created there as well.

Finally, a pair of pants that explores the far-reaching shaping force of war on all of us: no part of our bloodline, past or future, has been or is safe from the ravages of war.

United Fabric's products shed light on global issues, including poverty, war, migration, and the climate crisis. Given this, it may come as no surprise that United Fabric’s origins lie within the United Nations, where its founder and director has spent the past five years working to bridge global divides. Thanks to this, they have been able to establish a global reach that works with communities where foreign investment is rare. Through this outreach program, United Fabric has funded over $23,000 directly to artisans around the world to bring these programmes to life.

United Fabric's reach extends beyond fashion, impacting its audience through the same international team that creates its collections. Together, they’ve diagnosed diabetes in rural western Nigeria through free medical clinics and educated communities on flood safety in northeastern Pakistan through a safety guide distribution programme.

Whilst it is not uncommon for fashion to be utilised as a tool for social responsibility, the level at which it is intertwined in United Fabric’s DNA is unprecedented: from the campaigns, products, artisans, and development programmes, humanitarianism is at its core.