Burberry takes a step in the right direction while Australian fashion labels do the opposite, and our weekly wrap of the best in upcoming sales - it’s time for another Weekly Collection.

Burberry Announces Diversity Initiatives

Luxury fashion house Burberry has announced a new initiative to try patch up a rather prominent issue they have when it comes to diversity and inclusivity. The announcement comes hot on the heels of their slip-up at London Fashion Week, when a model strutted the runway in a hoodie with cords in the shape of a noose. Critics immediately called the brand out for the choice, pointing out its negative ties to both mental illnesses and the history of racist lynchings.

In Burberry’s statement this week, CEO Marco Gobetti said, “At Burberry, we have always sought to build a culture that is diverse, open and inclusive and one where all perspectives are valued. The distress we caused with one of our products last week has shown us that we are not where we need or want to be … we have developed a plan to increase our consciousness and understanding of social issues and fully embrace diversity and inclusion”. The statement, which was posted to Burberry’s Instagram, also detailed the steps the brand is planning to take to rectify their mistakes, including increasing understanding of cultural issues, diversifying the pipeline of talent and championing organisations supporting diversity and inclusivity. See the full statement here.

Australian Fashion Brands Operate Unfair Conditions, according to Oxfam

On Monday, Oxfam released a report titled Made In Poverty, detailing the multitude of ways ithat Australian clothing brands such as Kmart, Target, Big W and Cotton On operate unethically. The researchers behind the report interviewed more than 130 factory owners and managers, as well as more than 450 women working in factories that supply clothing to these Australian brands.

In Vietnam and Bangladesh respectively, 99 per cent and 100 per cent of garment workers are paid less than the living wage, and workers are paid as little as 64c and 39c an hour. Many workers complain of being unable to properly provide for themselves and their families. In addition to excessively low wages, working conditions are also deplorable, with issues like demands made for air-conditioning and automatic fire extinguishers in garment storage rooms but not in workers’ areas. In a world where consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the conditions within which their products are made, it seems greater strides need to be made by Australian fashion brands to ensure ethical working environments.

Snap Up A Bargain at the Big Fashion Sale

Amazing news for #struggling fashion lovers: everyone’s fave cult designer sale event, Big Fashion Sale, is returning to Melbourne in March. With a huge lineup of International and Australian designer brands, BFS has also announced that for the first time, Romance Was Born, Thurley, Matin, Carver, Camper and Permanent Vacation will be joining the event. This year, Melbourne bargain hunters will also get to shop the exclusive edit of winter coats, autumn race wear and glamorous selection of evening wear ahead of their Sydney counterparts.

What: Up to 80 per cent off Australian & International designer brands
When: March 7 - 10
Where: 5 Easey St, Collingwood

SALES: Ginger & Smart

WHAT: Warehouse sale, up to 80 per cent off
WHEN: Thursday, February 28 - Saturday, March 2
WHERE: 55 Mentmore Ave, Rosebery
DETAILS: https://www.facebook.com/events/342803783002491/

SALES: Jets

WHAT: Online outlet sale, up to 75 per cent off
WHEN: Thursday, February 28 - Monday, March 4
WHERE: www.jets.com.au