What is the true cost of cheap, fast fashion?

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is hosting a community event to talk about the negative effects of fast fashion and alternative actions that can be taken.

To answer questions regarding how quick and disposable clothing companies harm the environment, worker's rights, local businesses and gender inequality, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is partnering with the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation to host "Sustainable Fashion: Make, mend and defend."

This free community discussion will include panellists Andréanne Mulaire Dandeneau, Elise Epp and Anna‐Marie Janzen who will guide the audience through the negative impacts of the increased demand for fast fashion and the other, more sustainable options, that are readily available.

Even though this event is free, CMHR is asking those interested in attending to reserve a spot so that they may make the proper preparations. "Sustainable Fashion: Make, mend and defend" is also a promotion of the museum's Free Friday Nights promotion.

The event will take place on Friday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Information about the panellists can be found below.

Andréanne (Anne) Mulaire Dandeneau:

In 2005, with the help of Aboriginal Business Canada, Anne launched her own company, MJAnne Couture. In 2008, she incorporated Andréanne Designs Inc. operating under Voilà par Andréanne. Today she owns and operates Anne Mulaire Boutique, a vertically integrated, women-led fashion house in Winnipeg.

Her designs are both an economic and cultural issue for Anne, who shares her Métis and Franco‐Manitoban heritage with the world through her designs. Ever since her childhood, she has been immersed in a world filled with natural textiles, Prairie motifs and Métis aromas. Her apparel’s flower prints, soft fabrics and wavy lines are crafted to evoke the Prairies and Métis culture.

Elise Epp:

Elise is the national coordinator for Fashion Revolution Canada and a senior graphic designer at the International Institute for Sustainable Development. For the past decade, she has been an enthusiastic researcher and communicator on issues surrounding slow fashion. In 2018, she co‐founded her local Winnipeg chapter of Fashion Revolution.

Anna-Marie Janzen:

A long‐time advocate for sustainability and justice, Anna started Reclaim Mending – a Winnipeg‐based mending and tailoring service. The company works to help make your clothes fit better and last longer so that we can all have a smaller global footprint. Run out of her West End home, she specializes in jeans repairs and minor tailoring as well as custom clothing by request. She also offers sewing lessons for individuals and groups.