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 […]
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 […]
Eco Fashion Prediction
With ethical fashion and “conscious consumerism” on the rise, there is a desire to learn more about global business practices and an hunger for transparency in these transactions. Ecouterre recently published a great article on the Eco Fashion Predictions for 2016. Learn more about what some of the leaders in this burgeoning field are […]
Pantone Colour for 2016
For those who haven’t already heard, Pantone has chosen two colours to represent their colour of the year for 2016: Serenity and Rose Quartz. Design Milk provides us with a bit of background behind what these blend of colours evoke and provide some great examples of these colour combinations in action. With Spring already […]
Home Decor Trends for 2016
As we know, with home decor, it’s all about adding accents and personalized touches to make a space feel unique or special. A big part of this is visualizing the space and getting a sense of what consumers might like to fill their homes with. These home decor trends as listed on the Apartment Therapy, […]
Key 2016 Fashion Trends
With 2016 well under way, we thought we’d share a few fashion trends for Spring and Summer 2016. The Swatch Book, a great resource on design and trends has recently shared some Key Fashion Trends for 2016. The colours, patterns, textures and designs provide good food for thought for those designing and accessories and home […]