Tag Archives: artisans

Princeton Fashion Week: Sustainable Fashion Initiative

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SFI organizers and designers

“It’s like Studio 54 in there” says the security guard as he closes the door, “I don’t know if you’re going to be able to get in.” My coworker and I share a perplexed look; we R.S.V.P.-ed! We arrived early, mingled, and were waiting anxiously, pleasantly surprised to see the large turnout. Luckily, we were able to get into the evening’s exclusive event: the Sustainable Fashion Initiative’s (SFI) Fashion Show. After being counted by the museum staff, we were ushered in and directed to our seats just as the lights dimmed. There might not have been a disco ball in sight, but the evident energy certainly felt like we were at a famous hot spot. The audience hushed and prepared for the show to begin as Co-Founder Jenna Rodrigues took to the podium.

Princeton Fashion Week could not have had a more appropriate ending to the seven-days-long series of events and panels—the show was spectacular and ignited inspiration with every model’s pose. Set against preserved paintings and sculpted statues, one could not help but study the revolutionary art form. Fashion has long been wearable art and an extremely personal expression of one’s self, but until recently, one’s values would often times have to be compromised. Now, with designers like Tabii Just—a brand grounded in a “0% waste” philosophy, even incorporating this mindset into the garments’ designs with beautiful draping and flattering construction (see our Tasha Skirt below, available online at Modavanti.com) and REBORN by Soham Dave—a brand that uses natural dyes and partners with artisans, we as consumers and more importantly, as people, have access to an amazing variety of brands that fit our values without compromising on style.

Seated a few rows behind the action, I was able to take in the scene as a true spectator. How exciting it was to see young, educated, stylish college students point out their favorite pieces as they strolled down the runway or to hear whispering among friends as they exchanged validating eyebrow-raises, confirming “CUTE!” while nodding their heads in agreement.

the Tasha Skirt by Tabii Just takes its final twirl on the runway

Models, designers, and participants alike were decked out in the latest sustainable fashion. “This is from A Peace Treaty!” SFI Co-founder Meg Partidge exclaimed with pride, flashing her jeweled finger. Is it true? Are we finally returning to a place in history where fashion can be regarded as valuable and desirable? We have come a long way since 1954. Perhaps we’ve even entered the future?

Want to learn more about the Sustainable Fashion Initiative at Princeton University? DIY: Be fashainable and check out the SFI’s first edition of VERTE magazine, the new e-zine publication for sustainable fashion.

sustainable jewelry at the SFI’s brand showcase

Be sure to view more photos like the one above from the Brand Showcase (held before the fashion show) to find products from A Peace Treaty, Indego Africa, and more!

Celebrate Earth Day, Everyday! The Today Show Goes Green with Modavanti.com

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today

What’s the “new crop of eco-friendly clothes?” NBC News’ the Today Show says it’s “eco-chic” and doesn’t look quite like it used to anymore thanks to retailers like Modavanti.

Chassie Post from Gilt Groupe joined Today Show host Natalie Morales this morning to show us that yes, eco-fashion can be stylish. A family-friendly floral print from H&M’s Conscious Collection flounced down the outdoor runway—on a pair of women’s pants and on a dress for young girls made out of recycled polyester and organic cotton—setting the scene for what it means to be green.

Another eco-fabric showcased was Tencel, as seen on a model in a maxi dress by ecoSkin. Weary of water usage? The vest in that ensemble is from Levi’s Water<Less denim line which uses 90% less water in production. A vegan leather peplum top from Tinley Road followed and was paired with Edun jeans.

Edun will be on our site soon and joins our recently-added brand, Olsenhaus, which was featured in the next look of the Today Goes Green segment: the brand’s purely vegan sandals and a chambray shirt (by Kut from the Kloth) complimented our fairly-traded Peplum Skirt in Yellow by Afia. Help support a women’s cooperative in Ghana just by shopping the stylish skirt at Modavanti.com. Fahertybrand.com wrapped up the show with an eco-swimsuit and beach wrap.

The models looked great and you can, too, since Modavanti is moving #fashion #forward. The two fashion-forward hosts highlighted our philosophy—that eco-conscious means many things—so many, that we empower the consumer to design their own style philosophy and encourage users to shop what’s important to them. Wear our set of Sustainability Badges with pride as you decide for yourself what it means to be green.

Eco-fashion has evolved. Will you? #Jointhefuture

New York Socialite Shines Her Light on a New Social Project

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It happens on the subway, the sidewalk, and online: a second glance at a stylish somebody. Pair that figure with a fashionable pair of footwear and you’ve got yourself a case of the double-take. What makes me zoom-in? When a person surprises you with their outfit choice—those who take risks and explore new fashion territory. Enter: Olivia Palermo in Pikolinos. Decked out in beautiful, authentic pieces and standing proudly alongside members of an African tribe, Palermo’s photographed stance certainly made me look twice. In fact, it made me take a look through the Spanish brand’s 2013 campaign including an exceptional look book and of course, the special collection of shoes and bags.

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Johannes Huebl for Pikolinos

Where’s the script? There is none. No, this is not an episode of The City. Yes, this is an episode of the social star’s reality. The impeccable, dare I say iconic, Olivia Palermo has successfully navigated her way on-set to shooting on-location. She’s no stranger to the camera, yet these images made me see her in a new light. Her bright smile reflecting those of the Massai tribesmen and women was a refreshing take-five from her popular elegant pose. Of course, Palermo’s style is unrivaled: classically-chic with a perfectly approved seal of carefully selected accessories. Who better to star as the campaign’s new “protagonist” for this year’s Massai Project?

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1,600 women hand embroider the leather for the Pikolinos sandals

Now in its third year, the Massai Project was launched by Pikolinos to provide a mode of sustained employment for women in the Massai Mara of Kenya and Tanzania. The brand has maintained a special relationship with the project as it reaches new audiences. Hundreds of women benefit from the artisanal work in handcrafting and embroidering the line of sandals, children have increased access to education, and men learn about the opportunity to improve their family’s well-being when a woman works outside of the home. Olivia herself is another beneficiary; she was able to stitch soles alongside the female artisans and experience the African Savannah alongside the souls of the endangered Massai tribe.

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Olivia Palermo learning alongside Massai Mara women

Another special relationship is that of the ambassador and the campaign’s photographer who aptly captured an intimate glance at the oftentimes exposed personality. The relatable star makes you picture a reality where “another world is possible” while the talented cameraman uses technology as a medium to illustrate global evolvement—photography with a purpose as opposed to paparazzi with flashbulbs. International actors like Palermo, her partner (photographer Johannes Huebl), and the partner NGO ADCAM are necessary to this specific project’s effectiveness and to the overall progress towards sustainable development. Plus, the shoes are equal parts stunning and wearable (see below for my fave).

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Amani Watermelon

The current climate consists of talks about using technology to harness new energy sources. I’m elated to see this brand aid in harnessing arguably the most important source of energy on our planet: human nature. The most valuable component of sustainability to me is social inclusion. Can you picture yourself smiling brightly alongside the Massai? Pikolinos’ Massai Project is both inclusive and exclusive! Become a part of the production and follow @MassaiProject or take center-stage in Chelsea at the brand’s new pop-up store on Tuesday, April 16th. I can’t wait to get dressed with other #passionistas and join Olivia in NYC for the chance to shop shoes, make bracelets, and learn more about this amazing group of people lighting up the world!

Walking in a Pattern of History

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ATTENTION CONSCIOUS CONSUMERS: The Aztec/Geo/Tribal trend has gone global! Not that you needed that news flash since the multi-faceted design has erupted around the world. Just give the Manhattan-once-over to your fellow subway patrons, glance over the editorial magazines, or take a scroll through the blogosphere and you’re sure to witness the print’s explosion.

Of course you’ll find the typical photos snapped of rounded beauty Kim Kardashian strolling down the sidewalk dressed in a tight, form-fitting, geometric-print maxi with the slightest hint of color.

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And of course there are the troops of angular models clad in brightly-colored armor charging down the runways.

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But even more exciting, Aztec/Geo/Tribal is growing in fields of everyday people seen sprouting their sense of appreciation for the international eye-catcher. The evolution of this tri-fold trend has made its way home to craftsmen in South America after circling ‘round the world.

Originally established in the Americas, ancient Mesoamerican architecture with massive structures of stairways and enclaves provided protection and served as temples. The Aztec/Geo/Tribal print of intricate lines and interlocking shapes is testament to that architectural aspect.

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Originating in Central and South America during ancient times, the amalgamation of Spanish and New World tribal influences collided; these empires’ influential intersection in a fusion of foods, mixing of music, and amalgamation of art still exists today in the worldly wardrobe staple that is “geo.”

The geo-tribal influence returned to Europe in epic fashion proportions. From London-based designer Matthew Williamson’s fierce focus on “dynamic prints” in his 2009 collection to later collections at L.A.M.B., Missoni, and new-comer Whitney Eve; this pop of print has popped up all over the globe. Head down-under to find an Australian interpretation of the design at The Fashion Niche or to India for a glitzy glimpse of the print on the Bollywood scene.

Deepika Padukone

In the past, tribal clothing served as a means of separation among one’s position in society, but at present, the tribal trend is positioned as a universal unifier. Splashed across everything from couture dresses to commercial mini-skirts, men’s tank-tops, and basically every garment imaginable, the trend has flowed to footwear! And while the general consensus is to style the loud print with classic silhouettes and subtle accessory additions, I say go louder!

Flip this trend around with funky shoes like these Matthew Williamson sandals:

Matthew Williamson

Turn up the hype on mixing prints and wear a pair of Inkkas with your favorite Aztec top for a complimentary combination or just kick-it in some Low Tops with an ethical jean choice and an organic cotton tee.

Personally, I’d pair a pair of Inkkas High Tops with a white linen, ruffled eyelet dress and be one fly señorita.

Blue Mist High Tops

Only a true trend-setter can pull off Inkkas’ line of sneakers.

The only question is:

are you willing to make the sacrifice?

Inkkas foregoes 10% of its profits to benefit the Amazon rain forest and its collections are hand-made by artisans in Peru. The brand’s fabrics sourced from local regions in beautiful bold patterns is sustainable fashion development at its finest.

Keep the geo trend evolving with a bright step forward in Inkkas’ products.

Inkkas

“Don’t just buy a product, buy a small piece of a better world.”

Don’t judge a garment by its label.

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Or is it don’t judge a book by its cover? Childhood phrases and parental teachings aside, there is general encouragement to not judge others or the unknown based solely on outward appearances. As human beings, favoritism exists for the ism “don’t judge a book by its cover.” But as consumers, do the same rules apply?

All labels aside, it is of course up to us to educate ourselves as buying customers and to get involved as is the case with all issues of civic engagement. However, isn’t it up to “them,” or companies, providing us with a product or service to provide awareness, especially since we are after all, all potentially buying customers?

I don’t like to say “us” versus “them” as though we are in a dueling match, for it is a dual obligation when it comes time to be our own judge. Companies, though, are required to label products and advertise services in accordance to signed laws and corporate activities are monitored by assigned authorities; these rules and regulations have been established so as to protect the consumer while also providing a fair playing field for all parties involved, including competing small businesses, SMEs, and corporations.

Our needs are changing and new rules and regulations must naturally evolve. We see this need to evolve in the Big Food revolution with past legislative failures in states like Oregon and most recently with Proposition 37 in California as well as opposition to the Just Label It movement. ”You are what you eat” is often practiced by medical professionals, mindful mothers, and even our own conscience coach when making personal food choices.

If we are what we eat, then shouldn’t we care about what we wear? Many of us do! As seen in the variety of outlets and in the diversity of support for conscious consumption when it comes to one’s purchases, fashion and apparel is an expression in demand. Whether one is cutting down on the industry’s intake, incorporating more mindfulness when making purchases, or choosing to buy environmentally and socially sustainable fashions from retailers and organizations with a mission and values closely related to one’s own individual beliefs, there is a need for an upgrade in rules and regulations when it comes to labeling our clothes.

Of course, as clothing consumers, we can research a retailer’s practices and uncover more about a brand. We can of course read the item’s label, but is “Made in Bangladesh” or “Manufactured in China” enough? Some prefer to buy local or only shop certified Fair Trade items. Some might not even read the label’s contents. Similar to a content person in a label-less relationship, some might not even need a label at all. What do you look for in a label? Share your shopping criteria @fashainable with the hash-tag #mindfull.

And beyond the mindset of the consumer, what about the other side? Turn the label over and you might find that big box retailers and their suppliers may voice the same argument as those in the business of Big Food: any additional labeling would be too cumbersome resulting in excessive regulation and ultimately, higher end prices for the consumer.

Refreshingly, some brands have taken it upon themselves to make note of the ingredients used, processes infused, or related #brandaid news as seen in the faces of “The People Behind the Product” by One Mango Tree. It’s inspiring initiatives like these and like this image of an imaginative label shared by Dress Up Cycle highlighting a probable product’s positive points that can help point us in the right direction. Don’t like what you see? No sweat. Send your labels back or sign a petition and get dressed.

Informative labeling of existing practices—which claim to be safe and workers conditions which claim to be humane—is less of an issue of red tape and higher costs along the supply chain and more of an issue regarding lifelong lessons taught at an early age in that one shouldn’t judge what one does not know. If we don’t know exactly what it is that we as consumers are buying, than how are we to judge?

Cereal boxes have managed to evolve over time as 3-D crossword puzzles and our shampoo bottles and conditioning counterparts are now accompanied by trivia Q&As. Surely the commerce community with business models built on principles of efficiency and effectiveness can manage to invest the necessary resources into a more exemplary labeling system without placing the burden on the paying customer.

But, who am I to judge?

From old bottle caps to new office chaps.

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“Where’d you get those earrings?” It was during study hall in high school and I was asking a girl a grade ahead of me named Leah. “Oh,” she replied, “I made them!” Pleasantly surprised, I was like wow, cool, the coolest—or so I thought. Unfortunately, some would discredit her genius gems by questioning the difficulty in the pair’s design. Sure, while the actual construction might not have been extremely advanced (seemed to be a puncturing of a metal bottle cap and an insertion of a hook), the actual idea behind the designer’s creations was extremely modern. Leah and I lived close to one another in the same small community and we soon became friends, bonding over goofy inclinations and inklings of travel. Her creativity and confidence were endearing qualities that I always admired; I mean, she was “upcycling” bottle caps into earrings before DIY was the next BIG thing!

Last year, I moved to New York and found myself living in Greenpoint, bordering Williamsburg. I was fresh out of college and it was a pleasant surprise to again find myself as part of a community. I soon became acquainted with that little Polish neighborhood of artistry, couples, industrialism, and families, often exploring the many mom-and-pop shops and local artisans’ offerings. Working in the city, I soon realized that Leah’s office wasn’t far from mine in the same area of the Fashion District—how funny life is to have an adolescent memory catch up with you in adulthood.

We did catch-up, on a meet-up one day, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that she was still making jewelry. An FIT graduate, she was working for a popular brand while developing her own brand. I had actually seen some of her work on her Facebook page and was eager to own my own piece. During our talk I placed an order, which she accepted and promised to fill right away. It’s no surprise that Leah’s work has gained popularity (a former schoolmate even asked her to design her wedding bands) since her creative confidence is reflected in her line.

Now on Etsy.com, Leah Rose Damour Jewlery is an eclectic mix of classically-constructed collections with a whimsical flare. Take my custom-made gold necklace: the quirky tooth, an upcycled crest from a local dentist, is a fun symbol of a deeper connection as my grandfather was a dentist and a person whom I adored, often draping me in his knowledge. When draped around my neck, the brilliantly-finished molar reminds me to think wisely because it reminds me of him. Etsy has enabled the connection of hundreds of thousands of artists like Leah to advertise and sell their creations to happy customers like myself.

Such a connection is shared between dozens of special occasion party-goers and a former colleague of mine who is exceptionally skilled in analysis, baking, and jewelry-making. Our Merchandising team members would showcase their hidden culinary talents, often times bringing in baked goods to share. My team’s Assistant Planner, Hilary, was always trying the latest baking gadgets and recipes; it was a truly delightful discovery to find that this stellar business grad also had a creative side! Unbeknownst to me at the time, Hilary was quite the entrepreneur who turned out to have her own merchandise online at Etsy in her bloom belle shop. Her line of floral jewelry designed for special occasions is named Hilary Caroline Jewlery and her name is now aligned with a successful launch of an online boutique based out of her hometown.

Home-made treats don’t have to be edible—with local artisan markets in places like Greenpoint or your hometown and with handmade marketplaces like Etsy bringing hometown designers from around the world to your computer —they can be wearable! Do you want to be pleasantly surprised? Look out for the Leah in your life or the Hilary in your hallway and make room for something sweet.

Do you know someone like Leah or Hilary who creates inspiration? Tweet @fashainable with the person’s website/information and the hashtag #inspirate to share a pleasant surprise!

West: meet East; it’s for the best.

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Perhaps we shouldn’t treat our clothes as replaceable representations of self-expression, as a slew of one-night stands. Perhaps instead we should treat our clothing with special care, selecting what we wear as carefully as what we say or eat while on a date. Courting rules and marriage arrangements vary across cultures and treatment of one’s search for “the one” varies cross-culturally. Furthermore, a society’s relationship to its culture is a natural indicator of its people’s relationship to its preservation of one’s culture.

  • The Hmong of ancient China do not believe in symbolism of fate; they believe that a person is born into this world wearing a jacket, that its placenta is its soul mate, “ones’ first and finest garment.” The Hmong people are known for their direct connection to nature and appreciation for rituals. For matters of life and death, they dress their children in elaborately-embroidered garments that communicate with evil spirits and one’s availability to the opposite sex.
  • The nakshi kantha stich of Bangladesh and West Bengal is not a symbol, but rather a language: a sewed circle design of four parrots does not merely represent the idea of love. When one sees that particular pattern, the embroidery is actually speaking the innermost dialogue of ever-lasting love. Another popular phrase, the tree of life is more than a motif; it tells the story of community as it’s stitched by women into collections of wearable art.

Speaking of which, the art of nakshi kantha and other hand-crafted items were re-introduced as a community development solution to sustaining the fashion industry in Bangladesh by Aarong and helped solve the problem of rural women’s market access.  If only we treated our clothing’s livelihood as a sustainable fashion solution, we could help solve the problem of our shopping excess—it’d be a match! If we make a commitment to be fashainable, then maybe we wouldn’t take sustainable fashion for granted. Maybe we would learn that it’s not just the latest version of luxury or the newest fashion trend, but that like healthy codependency, it is a necessary step in deepening a lasting connection.

Such consciousness of resources is a pillar of Aarong’s foundation. Having repeatedly survived nature’s fatal forces, people in the South Asian nation of Bangladesh are forced to be resourceful and innovate. Bangladeshis themselves, including my former colleagues, are a force to be reckoned with; they are among the bravest individuals I’ve ever encountered. Aarong’s artisans are no exception as it is their heroic dedication and whose proud conviction speaks loudly as they face daily adversity in working to sustain fashion.

Conversely, we Americans don’t face such harsh hardship, so our relationship with sustainable fashion development has been somewhat symbolic of our disconnectedness with the dire nature of the whole situation of sustainability, unlike the intimate interconnection that Aarong has restored. Part efficient retail, part effective development, Aarong has a unique relationship with its founding partner, BRAC, as a social enterprise.

When it comes to relationships, outward appearances are often the first characteristics we as individuals notice in a partner, sometimes including one’s outfit choice; this criticism exists in Bangladesh’s culture, too. However, the shared individualistic nature of American and Bangladeshi culture also coexists with a sense of community as we often ask our friends and family’s opinions when it comes to matters of decision making, like choosing a mate. Now, I’m the first to admit that I have commitment issues, often saying “I can’t” be at the same job indefinitely or “I can’t” imagine being with someone forever, but after seeing a toddler steering a motorcycle atop his father’s lap or a blind man crossing the busiest of streets, the words “I can’t” disappear from one’s vocabulary quicker than an exit from a bad date. I soon realized the disrespect I’ve shown in my treatment of the ones I love, for some aren’t as fortunate to have a choice in such matters and would give anything for never-ending assurance.

Similarly, it dawned on me that we demonstrate disrespect as a nation when we take for granted our relationship to the garments we don. As united citizens, we can easily take the plunge and update our relationship status from fashion-fling to being in it, full-fledged. Free from impossibility and inspired by fearlessness, the other hemisphere has reminded me that actions speak louder than words and when it comes to direct correlation and co-dependence, the other side of the world has influenced me to say that we are together; I am what I wear. Do you dare to care about your wear? Let’s arrange for a marriage between our mindful thoughts and items to be potentially bought.

Give thanks for good.

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No turkey, no family, no stuffing, no American football, but still, many thanks given. Even though I’m unable to partake in the traditional Thanksgiving festivities (I’m more of a soccer fan myself anyway, but that’s beside the point), I’m able to remind myself to be thankful. Historical Thanksgiving controversies aside, the holiday’s modern meaning is to give thanks while sitting alongside family and friends for a fall feast. The storied original barter was a three-day exchange of food for goods. Today’s exchange is one of thanks and three days that surround the harvest holiday.

The first day is for those who choose to work off their tryptophan trance running around like a chicken—er, I mean, turkey— with its head cut off on Black Friday. Fearing for their lives, others may be more inclined to recline and shop online the second day, gobbling up Cyber Monday’s digital deals. Why not round out the trifecta or opt-out of the other two days for good the day after Monday with Giving Tuesday or Fair Tuesday? Good health, supportive friends, and little luxuries—even though Thanksgiving isn’t necessarily a religious holiday, it does teach us to be grateful for life’s many blessings. Sanitary drinking water, basic primary education, and a safe shelter are necessary to live—yet many are not so blessed.

#FairTuesday aims to:

  • Empower artisans & farmers
  • Support communities
  • Protect the environment

On November 27th, 2012, “Buy one fair trade item to improve lives of a whole community” from one of the 40 women-led artisan groups supported by @GlobalGoods. Want more ideas for fairly traded items? These fair-trade retail guides can help you find that perfect product. Perhaps you prefer to buy local products, in which case Small Business Saturday is more your market and Giving Tuesday is a social movement to make a charitable contribution. FINCA and Oxfam have unique gift catalogs that give high-impact to a community abroad, keeping your own community intact. Have your pumpkin pie and eat it, too: think locally, act globally.

Similar to how many of us are trying to introduce new, healthier food options into our eating habits this Turkey Day, let’s infuse new, fair fashion options into our purchasing habits every day; this compliments the idea of everyday big business for our small businesses. An early morning binge or virtual spree on marked-down goods could be replaced with a thoughtful purchase of a value-added good, like those offered at the 1st ever Give Good Market. “Shop for Change” and “Take Action” are two sections of Global Goods Partners’ website. Combine both into a mindful recipe of your own gifted gratitude and have a sustainable season.