One of the newest (and best!) trends in fashion these days is for fashion brands to be socially responsible when creating their clothing and accessories. To be a socially responsible fashion maker means paying living wages to the artisans designing and creating the goods, being environmentally responsible, and using your company’s influence to help others in need.
While I’ve always been a natural-born shopper, I’m learning that there’s more satisfaction in buying products that help others improve their lives. These are my favorite fashion brands that are making a difference.
(Noonday Collection) Left to right, Top to bottom: Pink Fringed Crescent Earrings, Pathway Necklace, Mirage Scarf, Cityscape Necklace, La Bella Bag, Tamia Bib Necklace
Noonday Collection, founded in Austin, Texas, currently assists over 4,000 artisans in the world’s most vulnerable communities in 12 different countries to make a fair and living wage. This empowers them to grow their business and employ others in their communities. These artisans are able to earn a sustainable income and provide for their families in ways they couldn’t previously.
Noonday Collection is also a big supporter of adoption. To date they have given over a quarter of a million dollars to bring home adoptive children in more than 1,600 families.
You can shop directly from Noonday or go here to find an ambassador in your area.
(Sudara) Left to right, Top to Bottom: Leela Full, Suva Full, Munny Full, Globe Tee, Sharath Men’s, Bengal Bangle Cuff
Sudara, formerly known as International Princess Project, helps women who have been rescued or released from sex slavery or trafficking. By teaching these women their craft and paying fair living wages they are able to provide for their families and be able to rely on their new trade.
The main product made by Sudara artisans are Punjammies- beautiful loungewear inspired by the colors and beauty of the local culture of the women who make them. Punjammies are technically loungewear, but are gorgeous enough to wear as everyday pants.
(San Saum) Left to right, Top to bottom: SreyToot Bag, Freedom Wrap Watch, Serey Bag, Set Free Tee, Flower Coin Purse
Located in Cambodia, Sak Saum is another company committed to helping and restoring those who have come out of human trafficking. They fight for complete restoration- physical, mental, vocational, spiritual, and emotional. All the young women and men that are being helped receive training in sewing, design, and organization, and all receive fair wages for their work.
To assist Sak Saum in their goals of helping these trafficking victims, you can shop their products here, or you can donate through the ihsi Gift Catalog.
(Purse & Clutch) Left to right, Top to Bottom: Embossed Pouchette, Geometric Wristlet, Suede Fringe Crossbody, Marigold Clutch, Leather Envelope Clutch, Block Print Handbag
Purse & Clutch is an ethical boutique also based in Austin that partners with artisans who create high quality goods using organic cotton and vegetable dyed and tanned leather. The Purse & Clutch mission is to create long-tern, sustainable employment for men and women who would otherwise have very limited opportunities to earn a fair, living wage.
While all products sold by Purse & Clutch are under $150, every $200 you spend gives an artisan full-time employment for an entire month!
(Raven + Lily) Left to right, Top to bottom: Neha Wood + Leather Earrings, Hermosa Bamboo + Lemongrass Candle, Uzma Wood + Leather Bound Journal, Chanda Wrap Maxi Jumpsuit, Handmilled Natural Soap, Dani Collar Necklace
Raven + Lily is a brand dedicated to ridding poverty among women by providing them with a job, fair wages, healthcare, and education. They work with economically vulnerable women in Cambodia, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Kenya, Guatemala, India, Malaysia, and the USA to help them better their lives and break the cycle of poverty.
The company also uses eco-friendly practices in their designs and sourcing of the materials used and uses recycled material whenever possible.
I know a couple of these companies are already very popular, but I hope I’ve been able to introduce you to a few that you didn’t already know about.
Now, go forth and shop! 😉
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