Do you know where your clothes come from? Style guru, Masego Morgan, wants you to find out. Because fashion can make us look and feel good, but it leaves behind a trail of destruction. Worldwide, factory workers toil for hours in cramped and hazardous conditions for pitiful pay. In 2013, an eight-storey building in Bangladesh collapsed on labourers, making it the worst sweatshop disaster in history. “1 134 people have died to create things that are in stores,” Morgan says. Compelled to fight the damage that’s still being done, she’s using her voice to guide others towards conscious living.
“I first started to doubt the fashion industry when I realised how they pushed consumerism,” Morgan says. Instead of giving in, she got creative with her clothing. Morgan fills her closet with thrifted finds and sustainable brands, which she showcases on Instagram. Her captions list each garment’s origin, while her photo series, Ethically Made, highlights how factors such as wages, cultural appropriation, and diversity tie into production.
Among a generation of influencers, Morgan is using her image to encourage discernment. “I hope to see more people make ethical choices,” she says. In presenting a responsible way of living, Morgan inspires us to consider our purchases and ensure a future free from harm.
Photos by Lauren Thomas were used in the creation of this film
