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is a label devoted to the strong, the obscure and the beautiful. As Susannah Woolley explains, its collaboration with the Ethical Fashion Initiative has showcased its dedication to another principle, too.
W
e fall madly in love with it, we buy it, we wear it, and then we hoard it in our wardrobe or discard it. But how often do we think about where that must-have blazer or new season trench coat came from? If we are honest with ourselves, it is probably less often that we should. Luckily, those in the fashion industry have been giving this predicament some thought. The result? An array of inspiring initiatives are suddenly pearing across the globe, as environmental issues are becoming more signified. Much-loved labels such as Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood and Ilaria Venturini Fendi are just a few making a push for a more sustainable industry. Their efforts as part of the
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Ethical Fashion Initiative are helping ensure that the beautiful garments we see on the rack are produced in a socially and environmentally ethical manner. Take Stella McCartney, for example. This season, the soles from Stella sandals are made from a biodegradable rubber, which is capable of breaking down in less than six months when placed in mature compost. They also used an array of organic, recyclable and renewable resources similar to this for their garments. Following suit, one of our favourite Australian designer duos have come to the forefront of fashion industry ethics and joined the Ethical Fashion Initiative. Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton, also known as Sass & Bide, collaborated with the International Trade Centre and United Nations agency to create a project titled Made in Africa. The project was launched in 2012 and stays true to the label’s recognisable tribal aesthetic – an aesthetic equally suited to the craftswomen in Kenya who are making the garments. The design duo’s involvement in the project is not a one-off. Instead,it is a long-term commitment to a fair and sustainable fashion industry. The project’s third and current instalment features a limited edition purse, clutch and tote bag. Each handmade piece is printed, embroidered and embellished using sustainably sourced materials. Owning a limited edition piece is always special, but knowing that these items support craftswomen who may otherwise be disempowered makes it
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all t h e m o r e precious. One half of the pair behind the label, Sarah-Jane Clarke, commented on the role the project plays in empowering the tribeswomen. “It is inspiring to be working directly with the East African Artisans, and to be influenced by their tradition, culture and daily lives,” she said.
“By partnering with these talented craftswomen, it allows them to support their mediate families and greater communities. It is rewarding to see that their wages ed to educate their children.”
h Parris is the Director of Aussie label Audrey Blue – the first Australian women’s label to full certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard. The label is also certified nder the International Fair Trade Labelling Organisation. Hannah has an extensive background in environmental sustainability and attended the Ethical Fashion Forum’s 2013 Summit in London. She hopes initiatives such as Sass & Bide will encourage a more sustainable industry. “I think what they are doing is great. I hope it is the start of the industry more generally becoming more ethical and making ethical clothing more affordable for everyone,” she told Dalliance.
Sass & Bide is stocked in over twenty countries. In addition to its eighteen boutique stores throughout Australia and New Zealand, it has just opened its first New York flagship store. The spread of Sass & Bide stores is indicative of its strong international presence. This presence leads to the responsibility of setting industry standards and is why the collection is such a crucial step in the advancement of an ethical fashion industry. Sass & Bide’s commitment to this initiative means they are now honouring the strong, the obscure, the beautiful and the ethical. Unlike that must-have blazer or new season trench coat that can easily become lost at the back of your wardrobe, these beautiful, ethical and sustainable pieces will never go out of fashion.