Circular Economy
In a blog post last November, we referenced the principles of a Circular Economy, that focuses on the longevity and life cycle of a product. We were keen to explore organizations that support this philosophy and stumbled across an article on how Levis Strauss & Co., has embraced these same principles. In an effort to […]
Letting serendipity lead to a weaving village in Laos
Guest blogger Mary Louise Marino is a startup social entrepreneur and founder of Indigo Lion Artisan Boutique. Her three-month journey across Southeast Asia and Northeast India is in part to connect with artisan groups, learn about their work, and begin selecting her initial collection for her shop. Serendipity connected her with village weavers in Thabou […]
Ethically sourced and elegant!
Ethically sourced and elegant! by theartesangateway featuring a cotton bag Cotton bag $145 – peopletree.co.uk Naomi Leather Purse by Connected in Hope connectedinhope.org Songa Designs International | Zaza Necklace songadesigns.com
2016 DECOR TRENDS
As we continue to launch into 2016, it is good to be reminded of some of the trends in home decor for the season and the year ahead. A recent article in Hearts & Mermaids, points to “6 Must Try Decor Trends” for consumers. This is a great way for our designers in the craft […]
3 models of social entrepreneurship
Through our work in this sector, we routinely come across highly talented and passionate social entrepreneurs dedicated to developing the skills of the marginalized and disenfranchised through craft production and/or preserving traditional crafts. Their work is often immense as they are not only developing a workforce but running a business too. Many struggle with […]
Artesan Profile: GLO Creations, Rwanda
GLO Creations, a textile design company, founded by Gloria Kamanzi Uwizera in 2008, produces both fashion and home decor items. Derived from the founder’s name, the brand aspires to design and create products that “glow”. With a small team of five, GLO Creations line of products include the following: t-shirts for kids and adults; men […]
The Fashion Industry & Sustainability
With our minds and attention still very much focused on “sustainability”, we were pleasantly surprised to see a sign at a well known high street retailer, announcing that they “…believe in forever fashion…” as opposed to “fast fashion”. This implies that they believe their products are built to last, so to speak, but as we […]
Sustainability in Gift, Home Decor and Fashion
This past weekend, we got to visit the Handmade Global Design section at the NY NOW trade show and it was terrific to catch up with some old friends (including Aid to Artisans , Darzah, Child’s Cup Full and Stitchwallah) and make new friends too! With the UNDP’s Sustainable Development Goals fresh on everyone’s mind, […]
The potential of migrants and ethical fashion
Simone Cipriani, Head and founder of the International Trade Center’s Ethical Fashion Initiative recently shared his thoughts and experiences about the potential of migrants working in Ethical Fashion in an article on Huffington Post. Through his vast experience working in the sector to create market frameworks for micro producers in Africa, Cipriani provides great insight […]
Notes from the field: reflections on working with big retail
by guest blogger Sarah Sternberg For many producer groups and artisans, getting an order from one of the big retailers is the dream. We wanted to learn more about what it takes to achieve that goal and reached out to our friends at Songa Designs to learn more from founder Sarah Sternberg. Three years ago […]