This study was inspired by certain misgivings felt by the researcher after working for over two decades as a fashion designer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study aimed to find alternative approaches for the production of fashion articlesthat bypassed the dominant production paradigm of fast fashion, drawing on the work of socially responsible or activist designers and local production resources. This led to a study of fashion production methods, including an overview of the sector, its evolution and prospects for the future, considering the capitalist system in which the fashion industry is embedded. A socially responsible approach was chosen, which was pursued with the purpose of identifying and analysing fashion design practices guided by this principle. A survey of socially responsible fashion production activities and interviews with designers who adopt this approach were instrumental for the theoretical foundation of the study. As the work progressed, it became clear that social responsibility may be achieved by working with local craftspersons and seamstress, whether or not the products made are geared towards the fashion sector. This led to an investigation of examples of socially responsible craft and sewing businesses in Rio de Janeiro, based upon which multiple case studies were envisaged. While these were being developed, the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, having a direct impact on theprogress and outcomes of the research. Accordingly, the conclusion draws comparisons between four case studies analysed and also how the pandemic impacted their business.