They say that when we don't learn from our past, we're bound to repeat it. But that is just not something H&M CEO Karl-Johan Persson plans on doing. In an interview with Metro, the leader of the massive fast-fashion brand outlines some of the sustainable solutions for H&M's future — a necessary step in light of the recent tragedies in
Bangladesh, which, as the CEO claims, did not include an H&M factory.
Persson addresses the demand for inexpensive clothing but also a workplace that puts equal value on all employees, no matter what the price of the product they're making. Along with fair wages, he also tells Metro that he's pushed the Bangladesh prime minister for an increase in minimum wage, which may soon be implemented. "I’d love to find a model where we can pay more as long as it’s sustainable for the country, like Fair Trade," the CEO says. "But it’s not an easy nut to crack."
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In addition, Persson also adressed the brand's use of "too skinny" models, and how, moving forward, it will be looking for a wider range that represent more than just one perception of body image. "In our last campaign, we had a somewhat more buxom model, and now we’re having Beyoncé, who’s a bit curvier as well. I believe that the models in our advertising should look and sound healthy."
While the CEO's plan sounds like a blockbuster one to us, the proof will be in the pudding. And if it is able to deliver on all these promises, shopping at H&M in the future will be so much more rewarding that just saving some cash. Click over to read the entire interview. (Metro)
Photo: Courtesy of H&M