We all like a bargain.    But when things are super-cheap, it’s usually because someone else is paying the price.

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Occasionally clients at the Boutique will comment on how “expensive” the garments are.   While it may be hard to imagine, Katrin Leblond Design is practically giving these clothes away for free.

Here’s why.   The people who make these clothes actually get paid a living wage.

Most of us have heard stories about the evils of sweatshop factories.   It bears review though.    Sweatshop garments are cheap because the people (mostly women and children) who made them got paid pennies.   They likely suffer inhumane working conditions – 14 hour shifts without bathroom breaks, exposure to dangerous chemicals, sexual assault from supervisors just to name a few.

Sweatshop workers

Social and economic conditions often make these kind of working conditions the only viable option for supporting a family.   Obviously, major world changes need to take place to overhaul this deeply troubled situation.

Where our "cheap" clothes come from

Awareness is always the first step.

I try to think twice whenever I see a bargain on turtlenecks or basic Ts.   I’m trying to train myself to find sweatshop clothes unacceptable.   I can’t bear to throw paper in a garbage can, and will take it home with me if there’s no recycling.   My goal is to to have the same sensitivity and discipline to sweatshop-produced garments.

As consumers, we always have a vote.  We vote every time we pull out our wallets.  It is a pretty empowering choice to buy clothing made by people who actually got paid a salary that they can live off of.    It’s empowering to support local artists (heck, if our government won’t do it, it’s up to us).

Paying people what they're worth: supporting local agriculture at a farmer's market is as important as buying sweatshop-free clothing

The profit margin on Katrin Leblond designs are very slim.    Our prices reflect what garments actually cost to produce in Montreal.    The reason why sweatshop garments are so cheap?   The workers paid the price so that the consumer wouldn’t have to.

It’s empowering to say, “all people deserve to live comfortably.   That is why I support paying people equitable wages.”

Buying beautiful clothes made with love makes us feel good.

Express your beauty as you are.  Dance in your kitchen and sing to the stars.

Sarah Pearson

Equitable clothing at Boutique Katrin Leblond, made with love!