Fair Trade Certified Fashion and Sustainability in Style
Guest post by Kate Snack
Fair trade is not the easiest concept to grasp. It has it’s layers, and often the term gets used to describe things that aren’t actually fair trade at all, so you have to be careful. Defined by the official fair trade stamp of approval when a product meets FLO-cert criteria and the fair trade guidelines that are set by international certification programs, adapting to meet these standards in the fashion industry can be both challenging, costly and time consuming. But consumer ethics are stronger than ever and forcing designers, fashion houses and retailers to put sustainability and fair trade at the top of their list of priorities.
Fair trade fashion is a niche market. Garments that are handmade in Africa, Asia, and South America for instance, don’t arrive on your doorstep made for sale to the masses. Pieces are unique, often one-of-a-kind, and above all else, a redefining characteristic of the fashion statement.
Marissa Saints from Dsenyo (an African textile and accessories company based in Boulder, CO.) admits, “it’s hard to resist those big sales at department stores in the mall, but if we all keep buying items without knowing where or how they were made, we aren’t going to see much change.”
‘Tis the season to give and receive. It is a time to express our love and appreciation for family, friends, and colleagues. But many are also looking for gifts that give a little bit back to the Earth and express a concern for a lighter footprint. So without further ado, here is Hippie Magazine’s recommended resource for green, organic, and fair trade gift selections for everyone on your list:
