While many clothing companies work to lessen the negative social and environmental impacts of their brands, some designers aim higher. These advocates hope to generate a net positive impact through their revolutionary fashion designs and campaigns around the world.
While many clothing companies work to lessen the negative social and environmental impacts of their brands, some designers aim higher. These advocates hope to generate a net positive impact through their revolutionary fashion designs and campaigns around the world.
HAITI REBUILD globally is a not-for-profit organization founded after the Haiti earthquake in 2010. The organization aims to end poverty through its fashion brand and apprenticeship program, Deux Mains Designs, which employs Haitian artisans to handmake sandals using upcycled tires. To date, the organization has ensured that all participants in the apprenticeship program pass Haiti’s national exams, and financed full-time schooling for 31 children.
TORONTO Me to We Style was established on the belief that consumers can change the world through ethical purchasing decisions. Created by Oliver Madison and Free the Children founders Craig and Marc Kielburger in 2005, Me to We Style offers items produced with more sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton and viscose from bamboo. Half of annual profits are donated to Free the Children and a tree is planted in the Maasai region in Kenya for every piece of apparel sold.
TORONTO Artist, fashion designer, photographer and activist Marie Copps created the Queen of the Arctic campaign to support the Save the Arctic Movement and raise awareness of oil exploration and drilling in fragile arctic regions. The photos feature Miss Earth Canada 2013, Sofiya Chorniy.
Find out how to win one of three $150 Me to We prize packs!
Check out more designers profiles in the print issue, including: Project Hazina, Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood’s Climate Revolution, 4Love Clothing, Suzy Amis Cameron’s Red Carpet Green Dress, Chanel and Tentree.
This is an excerpt from A\J’s Fashion issue
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Sabine Weber worked for nearly 20 years in Europe as product manager/head of design in the fashion industry, and as an international buyer/team leader in retail before she came to Canada She pursued her passion for ethical and sustainable fashion by earning a Master’s degree in Environment and Resource Studies at uWaterloo with a focus in waste management and social marketing. Weber is a PhD student at uW, teaches at Seneca in the fashion program, and is almost always working on projects related to textile waste.
Samantha Hui is an A\J editorial volunteer and an undergrad student in Environment and Resource Studies at the University of Waterloo.
