kowtow organic fairtrade
OUR PHILOSOPHY For a long time, many of our consumer habits have
appeared to have no consequence.
It is now quite apparent that there is an imbalance in standards of living throughout the world which is fueled by the Wests’ continuing short changing and exploitation of labour markets in the so called third world. We don’t believe anyone who is truly aware of what is going on in the world would want to turn their heads and support a slave trade economy. Being into clothes we decided to do something
about it. Certified fair trade organic clothing that is ethically and sustainably made from seed to garment.
Thank you for believing in what we do.
FROM SEED TO GARMENT
The start of the cotton process begins with our farmers planting and tending to the organic cotton crop. The factory processes both organic and non-organic cotton. The organic fairtrade cotton is processed in a separate part of the factory. The team has a well deserved chai break and some food before lovingly processing some more cotton. The bails are then put into a big room ready to get picked up for delivery. Each batch of fabric is quality checked before being moved on to production. It then gets cut into the patterns ready to be sewn into our lovely Kowtow garments. The boxes arrive at our stockists and our clothes are put on the shelves and racks.
FAIRTRADE
Kowtow only uses 100% fair trade and organic certified cotton, as certified by the Fairtrade labeling Organisation. The Fairtrade guaranteed minimum price covers the costs of production and provides a sustainable livelihood for Kowtow cotton producers. Kowtow enables co-operatives to fund projects that benefit the organisation and wider community. Kowtow fair trade producers benefit from advance payment and long-term relationships with buyers. Kowtow fair trade producer groups are democratically run and respect the rights of farmers and farm workers.
ADAPTABLE
ORGANIC
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The factory in Kolkata, India where Kowtow garments are made has the following benefits: Only works with certified organic cotton. All fabric is dyed using Global Organic Textiles Standards approved dyes which are free of hazardous elements such as nickel, lead, formaldehyde, amines, pesticides and heavy metals. Employees receive a living wage and the factory pays for their social security and pension funds. Employees recieve House Rent, which is 5% of their basic wages. Employees receive paid holiday leave, sick pay, medical insurance, subsidies, lunches and overtime pay. Employees children all receive free schooling. Employees work in a well lit, well ventilated and spacious working environment.
Jigsaw Vegan Leather Jacket Black/Khaki $385 Meet the Dots White/black $175
Anonymous Shirt Black $110
Step by Step Tank Blue $65
Building Block Pant Gray $145
Structure Racerback Tank Green $65
Formation Boot Black $265
Check Shirt Black/White $75
Practice Makes Perfect Shirt Black/Leather $165
Untitled Shirt Dress Pewter $165
Foundation Blazer White $235
Frame Short Silver/Gold $145
Component Pant Grey/Black $155
Check Shirt Black/White $75
Origami Zip Blazer Black $275
Empty Thought Hood White $110
Composition Pant Khaki/Black $175
Building Block Pant Gray $145
Formation Dress Black $165
Building Block Pant Grey/Black $145
Formation Boot Black $265
Facade Sandal Black/White/Silver $215
The Manifest Sandal Black $185
Primary Satchel Red $345
Tool Tote Midnight $400
Sphere Earrings Pearl $85
Building Block Scarf Taupe/Grey/Black $95
CREDITS Art Direction Oscar Elmendorf Stylist Kelly Bongrain Producer Corbin Rachor Design Direction Maria Casseres Photographer Peter Pontone Film Director Cory Gazaille Special thanks to: Professor Oscar Betancur Prepared for: FASM 210 - Digital Presentation Techniques
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