In 2013, the world watched in horror as the Rana Plaza garment factory in Bangladesh collapsed, tragically claiming 1,134 lives and injuring over 2,500 workers. This disaster wasn’t just a wake-up call, it was a harsh spotlight illuminating the hidden costs of fast fashion. At unik, we made a promise: sustainability would mean more than protecting the environment; it would mean protecting the people who bring our clothing to life.
Behind every piece of clothing lies a story, a narrative often hidden from view. Fast fashion frequently means workers laboring in unsafe conditions, unfairly compensated, and stripped of dignity. According to the Clean Clothes Campaign, over 93% of brands still fail to pay a living wage to their workers globally.
At unik, we decided to rewrite this narrative. We began by embracing transparency, openly sharing not just where our materials come from, but the conditions under which our clothes are made.
Made-to-Order: Ethical from the Start
Our made-to-order model emerged as our way of doing things. Unlike mass-produced fashion, which leads to stressful deadlines and unsafe overtime, made-to-order allows us to manage production thoughtfully. Workers have stable hours, fair wages, and safe working environments, addressing the core issues that fuel labor exploitation. This model also drastically reduces waste, aligning with our broader commitment to environmental sustainability.
According to McKinsey & Company, sustainable and ethical apparel is now growing at twice the rate of the rest of the fashion industry. Consumers are demanding transparency, and unik’s commitment resonates with the ethical consumer wave.
Transparency without accountability is incomplete. That’s why unik prioritizes partnerships with factories certified by standards like the Fair Trade Foundation, Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), and Fair Labor Association (FLA). These certifications aren’t mere badges—they’re rigorous validations ensuring fair pay, safe working conditions, and zero tolerance for child or forced labor.
In a recent industry report, the Fair Labor Association found that certified factories are significantly more likely to provide fair wages, maintain safer conditions, and uphold labor rights compared to uncertified factories.
One of our factory partners in Portugal exemplifies this change. Rosa, a seamstress at our partner facility, shares, “I’ve worked in textiles for 15 years, and it’s only now, working with brands like unik, that I truly feel respected and valued.” Stories like Rosa’s are why we remain committed, not just to producing sustainable fashion but ethical fashion that respects human dignity.
Your Choice, Their Future
When you choose unik, you’re making more than a fashion statement. You’re advocating for fair labor, ethical treatment, and human dignity. You’re part of a global movement proving fashion can and should be both stylish and humane.
Join us in continuing to write a brighter story—one garment, one choice at a time.
Explore our ethically crafted collections today at unik.fashion and wear your values proudly.
