Value Chain Thinking
By Guest Blogger, Nishant Das What is a value chain? A value chain is the entire system of processes that adds value to the customer at each stage, from transforming raw materials into a final product, delivering it to the final consumer, and final disposal after use. This chain is comprised of interdependent actors […]
Green Innovation in the Indian Textile Industry
In honour of Earth Day we wanted to highlight ways in which towns and communities involved in textile production are taking steps to address the pollution caused. A recent article on Al Jazeera brings to light Green Innovation in the textile industry in Tirupur, India. We are always interested to hear of ways in […]
Artesan Profile: Fiber Resource Center, Bangladesh
We were delighted to be introduced to Fiber Resource Center Bangladesh (FRC), an organization that produces fabric and textiles by recycling pineapple fiber and thrilled to have Ummaima Dawood, Director of FRC Bangladesh, share their fascinating story here. FRC Bangladesh, as the name implies, is an organization that researches and develops plant based fibers with […]
Sustainably Chic – A Conversation with Natalie Kay Smith
We recently caught up with blogger Natalie Kay Smith and asked her to share with us her story. We were curious to know more about her passion and interest in sustainability and how she came to create a community and platform for those with a similar passion. For our friends in the artisan and producer […]
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 […]
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 […]