When Angelina Jolie launched her eponymous fashion brand Atelier Jolie last year, the actress and activist described how she wanted to "start conversations about labor exploitation, pollution and waste" through her nonprofit brand. Now, staying true to her words, Jolie supports the Fashion Act, a piece of legislation proposed in New York that aims to make the fashion industry more sustainable, Vogue reported.
"I think everyone is aware of the waste of natural resources, over-consumption and over-production, and the violations of labor rights that are currently happening in industry and in society in general. These are some of the ills that many of us want to see fixed, and without legislation and momentum from a movement to curb these practices, progress will not be possible," Joly said.
Under the proposed bill, brands with global revenue of $100 million or more would be required to map their entire supply chain, undertake mandatory due diligence and commit to science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These requirements will not only affect companies based in New York, but also those that sell in the fashion capital, meaning every major global brand will be affected.
"People in the fashion industry who are trying to do things the right way - being transparent in supply chains and paying workers a fair wage - are up against companies that often do the opposite. This legislation will require transparency. Brands need to be transparent about their supply chains so that consumers can decide where to direct their resources and support," said the Hollywood star.
So far, more than 80 brands have supported the Fashion Act, including the likes of Stella McCartney, Reformation, Patagonia and Ganni. It's promising for Jolie to see this cross-industry collaboration.
"I'm proud to join the many others who have signed on to the Fashion Act, and I hope this is the first step to be taken quickly. New York is the center of American fashion, so it would be something completely different , if he becomes the primary source of change," she noted.
In recent months, the Fashion Act has gained the support of a number of high-profile supporters, including Jane Fonda, Leonardo DiCaprio and now Jolie.
"We are extremely grateful that Angelina Jolie has decided to support the New York Fashion Law. Her support is a testament to the great need and global importance of the bill," said Maxine Bedat, executive director of the New Standard Institute.
It makes sense that Jolie would join the coalition supporting the Fashion Act, given that collaboration has been at the heart of Atelier Jolie's ethos since the beginning. His first collection was created in partnership with Chloé, and the brand also works with designers and artists such as Mimi Plange, Suleika Jaouad and Swoon./BGNES
Angelina Jolie has backed a law promoting sustainable fashion
