On a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is the most important... I'd say it's about a 3.
Who cares about fashion when our unemployment rate is climbing to 9%, thousands have lost their homes and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight to the recession. I believe the U.S. will be fine. The top of the pyramid is always fine, but for the bottom of the pyramid (BoP) which accounts for the largest and poorest social-economic group who knows what lies ahead.
How can I write about beautiful luxury goods, even if they are green and environmentally friendly, when there is so much more at stake? Some believe the solution to fighting poverty lies is successful BoP approaches for sustainable development. This includes developing business partnerships with the poor so they are not the end consumer but producers.
This is where the fashion and textile sector can help. Fair Trade goods are examples of forming viable partnerships with developing countries to encourage their growth and success. For more information visit the World Fair Trade Organization.
Women's cooperative groups have been working hard and are finally starting to get the credit they deserve. Ten Thousand Villages is a retailer that sells Fair Trade goods and below are examples of my favorite Fair Trade products.
Check out Hagar Designs to purchase their Fair Trade goods here. Every purchase helps "to foster hope for vulnerable women and children in crisis through holistic, transformational development and creative initiatives". So inspiring!
Made, which sells in TopShop in London (in Oxford Circus) is one of my favorite lines. When I lived in London, I would go to Top Shop just to shop the Made jewelry. Their slogan "made by the people for the people"... sums it up quite nicely.
Beautiful local community-based design is empowering and the perfect medicine to escape our deflating economic bubble.
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