Its that time of the year! So, series five of my ethical fashion guide will highlight a few of my favorite items that are perfect gift ideas for the holidays.
During the season recognized by mass-consumerism, we must not forget the reason behind giving. We are giving presents that are thoughtful - to bring joy to people we love. With the fast fashion industry, it is easy to do a quick search, make a few clicks and voila, you're done. Not too much thought or effort goes into the holiday season like before. The internet has made it easy to grab items quickly and cheaply. The internet has also made it easy for you to connect with more unique and distant brands.
Thats where I come in! If you are dedicated to giving something special to someone you love, then you will take a little more time and possibly a little more money to get the perfect gift. Whats more perfect than a gift that also give back. Helping others during the holidays, especially those less-fortunate is really what this season is all about.
I've done my best to give a great range of products and prices. Starting at just $5, you should be able to find a little something for everyone.
xx Alyssa
From Mayamiko:
We believe that ethical production should not compromise the quality and design of the product, rather it adds to its exquisiteness and value. We produce high quality, luxury ethical goods that are unique to the market.
Stand out from the fashion crowd in our fashion forward looks in stylish and bold traditional African printed cotton, known locally as chitenje, as well as other unique fabrics from neighbouring African countries, all sourced at the local market. We also have beautiful batik and dip dye cotton, hand dyed especially for us by Dominic a local craftsman! And we also have Rebirth, our fully up-cycled capsule collection, giving a whole new life to pre-loved reclaimed fabrics.
From Mata Traders:
WE LOVE OUR ARTISANS
Mata Traders fair trade clothing and accessories are made by the hands of artisans in India and Nepal. Every item we sell is an original piece, and many incorporate craft traditions that date back centuries, such as block printing and embroidery.
Our artisans come from rural areas, tribal villages, and urban slums, but they all want the same thing – the chance to earn a fair wage and lift their families and communities out of poverty.
From Lotus and Luna:
Here at Lotus and Luna, we take pride in creating beautiful accessories with a beautiful message. Each product is hand crafted by our team of talented female artisans living in villages outside of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. Our mission is to provide fair and consistent employment to each artisan who handcrafts our accessories.
From Sudara:
Let’s get right down to it: No human being should be owned by anyone, anywhere, for any reason- ever. It really is that simple.
We are passionate about India- where some of the highest estimates of slavery and sex-trafficking anywhere in the world are reported. And while it may seem overwhelming, we are hopeful because we are seeing how safe, sustainable jobs are making a way for women to make their way out of the sex trade- or altogether avoid it.
From Indego Africa:
We partner with over 600 female artisans in Rwanda and sell their beautifully handcrafted products through our e-commerce site, boutiques, and collaborations with independent designers and brands. We pool 100% of profits from sales, contributions, and grant support to fund education and job training programs for the women we partner with. Through sales, women earn income to meet their families’ basic needs. Through training, women gain the tools to become financially independent.
From Hiptipico:
At Hiptipico, we want to foster an environment for socially responsible consumers who are seeking a sustainable alternative to mass-produced clothing and accessories. We are dedicated to changing the way people shop. At Hiptipico, you know where your goods are coming from, how they are made and who made then. We share with you the true story behind each item. That includes the artisans' history and the traditional technique used to craft every piece is our way of empowering our artisan partners and giving them a voice.
From a Peace Treaty:
A PEACE TREATY sees itself as champions for slow fashion and preservationists of centuries-old techniques. So far, we have worked with artisan groups across ten countries to produce our exclusive collections. Our custom handmade pieces embrace rich color and print, are lively and bold, soft and luxurious. Each textile and stone cut is developed in house and is unique and faithful to its origins. Collections include hand crafted scarves, jewelry, knits, ponchos, kaftans, and capes; essential travel wears for the well-traveled.
From Teysha:
We work directly with artisan communities throughout the Americas to develop local infrastructure, value chains, designs, and production processes which honor traditional craft while bringing market access and opportunity. We are partners and collaborators. The people we work with are entrepreneurs and designers, driven, motivated, and dedicated to bringing their communities and craft to the next generation of sustainability. Together, we create goods which invite creativity, spark conversation, and inspire adventure.
Read Previous Series [ One, Two, Three and Four ] of my Ethical Styling Guide.
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xx Alyssa
