The shopping season for the holidays has begun, and as people line up outside stores to await Black Friday “deals,” you may want to consider a few other options - and offer a gift with a bit more meaning (than a sweater yanked off the rack from other shoppers).
A growing tide of fashion start-ups are linking social impact to their designs. Mainly through production, these companies are attempting to create a more inclusive economy, by employing marginalized communities. Given that the majority of these companies are only about two to three years old, it’s too soon to deem them as a successful alternative to aid. Yet, they’re still a viable addition to the marketplace, one that’s long been skewed by big box brands and multinationals.
Here are a few socially-conscious fashion brands to consider for this holiday season:
Soko:
Soko’s peer-to-peer approach, means that you can buy products directly from artisans. No middlemen are involved, though they do work with partnering non-profits at the grassroots level. (Founded in 2012)
Their tagline: A woman-run and operated e-commerce marketplace for the developing world.
What do they sell? Mostly jewelry.
Soko enables artisans to sell their designs directly, using mobile phones. Photo Courtesy of Soko.
Sseko runs a workshop in Uganda where 50 women design and craft footwear and accessories. The aim? To give jobs to women who wouldn’t have the opportunity otherwise. And create scholarship opportunities for women who want to pursue a higher education; 47 women have done so, to date. (Founded in 2009)
Their tagline: Every sandal has a story.
What do they sell? Footwear, accessories, and bags.
A member of the Sseko artisan community. Photo Courtesy of Sseko.
Raven + Lily works in Ethiopia, India, Cambodia, Kenya, and the United States - always with female artisans. Their goal is to produce sustainable incomes for these women, often times from relegated groups of society (women caught in the sex trade, prostitution). The USA collection, recently launched, focuses on women in Austin, TX and in Los Angeles. (Launched as a social business in 2011)
Their tagline: Empowering women through design.
What do they sell? Women’s wear, jewelry, accessories, gifts.
Artisans of the Masai community creating products for Raven and Lily. Photo Courtesy of Raven and... [+]
Selling artisan-made products around the world, the e-commerce sites splits up products in two categories: in packages (or curated parcels with selected designs) and journeys (curated by destination).
Their tagline: Trade not aid.
What do they sell? Accessories and jewelry.
Artisans in Indonesia crafting shoes. Photo Courtesy of Parcel and Journey.
The Delhi-based startup sells clothing sewn by women seeking a life beyond forced prostitution. Kristin Braddock, the founder, says that this is merely the beginning; she has plans to expand beyond the Indian capital to a number of North Indian cities.
Their tagline: One stitch at a time.
What do they sell? Wall hangings, scarves, decorative bits and bobs for the home.
Sewing New Futures works with women who have faced sexual abused and were forced into prostitution.... [+]
Yes, these products cost more. But you may want to buy one, instead of three. It’s not a two-for-one deal here - that would not be sustainable.
