Green is the New Noir – Fair Trade fashion hits the catwalks
While ethically made, Fair Trade products are becoming increasingly popular, Fair Trade fashion still has struggled to shake off its slightly dowdy image. Some mainstream, high street retailers such as New Look and Marks and Spencer now stock organic cotton items alongside their main ranges, but for many people, the words Fair Trade fashion conjure up tie-dyed clothing, shapeless smocks and twee print dresses. This could be changing as, more and more, high end designers are recognising that there is a market for stylish, well-made clothing that is both fashion forward and ethically made. Set up by Peter Ingwersen and aimed strictly at the luxury end of the market, Noir is a high fashion brand that doesn’t compromise on either style or social conscience. Pieces include beautifully made shirts, tuxedo jackets and tops, proving ethically made doesn’t need to be ugly.
At the more affordable end of the scale, People Tree has done a lot to help shake off Fair Trade’s frumpy image, offering smart design at high street price. Fair trade jewellery, too, has moved away from its ‘hippy image’, with brands like Made and Fifi Bijoux making stylish, ethically produced and – most importantly from the fashion point of view – wearable pieces. Made’s design partnerships with celebrities like Peaches Geldof is also helping bring Fair Trade to a younger audience.
Fair Trade Gets Fashionable
As awareness of the plight suffered by many in the ‘Third World’ increases, choosing Fair Trade products has become a popular trend among consumers in developed nations. The economy of Fair Trade produce ensures that workers in developing countries receive a relatively comfortable working environment with fair rates of pay and social security. Furthermore, a significant proportion of Fair Trade profits is driven back into the local community that produced the goods, so not only does such trade become sustainable but the future of developing nations becomes a little more secure.
With the recent news that Fair Trade products in the UK have just broken into the beauty care market, it is timely to discuss the continuing growth of Fair Trade fashion accessories. Indeed, various accessories including pendants and bracelets are produced by workers in countries such as India in addition to those across Asia, South America and Africa. Hand crafted goods are typically produced to a very high standard in such places by workers who rely on such trade to support themselves and their families. For some of these workers, the extra money earned from producing Fair Trade accessories can make the difference between eating or not eating or being able to put a child through school. Therefore, the importance of buying Fair Trade fashion accessories should never be undervalued.
Fair Trade goods have long since thrown off their worthy but dull image. Lingerie brand Pants to Poverty do a selection of fun, trendy Fair Trade and organic underwear, while fair trade brand Made has commissioned pieces by young celebrities such as Peaches Geldof to appeal to a younger demographic. At the higher end of the market, designers such as Fifi Bijoux specialise in well-crafted precious metal pieces and fine jewellery. Furthermore, Fair Trade accessories are often highly sought after for their rich attention to detail and splendid decorative charms. Goblin charm bracelets, tutti frutti necklaces and a range of sparkling pendants are staple items of such trade, whilst stylish handbags made of recycled materials are increasingly in demand. Fair Trade shopping bags are also becoming more popular as people cut down their usage of plastic bags.
