The post shows a worker holding up a sign that reads: “I made your clothes” and goes on to detail the benefits of its “ethically sourced” clothing.
“Here is the first of a series of photos of the people making Gorman clothes. Today we introduce Liao. #whomademyclothes. ‘Hi, I’m Liao, a knitter at C.Partners factory in China. I have been working here for 6 years. I love gormans knit designs, especially the colours.’ We are particularly proud of the ethically sourced non-mulesed merino knits Liao and his team have produced for Gorman for the last 4 years. Thanks guys.!! #ethicallwool #merino#australianfashion“
A number of customers condemned the post, with some even staying that they would no longer buy from Gorman until it explained the post properly. “But to see this post , I don’t think I could put on these clothes and be happy unless I know that the workers are working for a reasonable wage and in conditions that are comfortable for them,” said one.
Another was more direct: “Sort yourselves out! Also, fans, stop buying this crap and keep it more local, probably even save you money!”
The post comes at a time when Gorman’s relationship with its customers had already moved into rocky territory after a report by Baptist World Australia gave Gorman’s parent company Factory X an F rating over its ethical practices.
Gorman responded to the report in a manner unlikely to have put worried fans at ease. “We elected not to be affiliated with the Baptist World Aid organisation, not knowing their real processes,” said the statement.
The company suggested that the rating was not a true representation of their practices. “The F grading was a failure to reply not a failure to comply. Our customers have been misled. As a business we continue to address our social and ethical responsibility and take it very seriously.”
