Meet Leela, Uma, and Gopi.
They are stitchers who create the intricate embroidery and applique found on many of our garments and accessories. See them in action, stitching away:
Ethical Fashion Blog
Meet Shelly Ruzicka, passionate fighter for worker rights, Director of Operations at Arise Chicago, and new Co-chair of the Board of Chicago Fair Trade.
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This is the story of what happens when 2 people have babies. Well, specifically, when those 2 people are my best friends, and they get a fair trade fashion business up and running, and through that business they design clothing made of original handmade block-printed and screen-printed cotton fabric. And then I join the company, only for those 2 best friends to turn around and have babies at the same time. It’s soooo awesome for best friends to have babies at the same time, but for business partners, it poses some challenges.
Here comes Sooners for Fair Trade, one of a growing number of student-run fair trade advocacy groups popping up on college and university campuses across the U.S. and abroad. This group is starting off with a bang, planning an on-campus event called Fair Trade Fest, April 22-26:
…doesn’t necessarily stay in Vegas (Matawear goes anywhere)!
Last week my mom and I escaped to fabulous Las Vegas for some fun in the sun, and of course I brought along some Mata fair trade dresses to strut the Strip in color and style.
Bonded labor, also known as debt bondage or indentured servitude, was declared illegal and officially outlawed in Nepal in 2000, and then again in 2006, and again in 2009. Why must the the Nepali government keep announcing freedom for bonded laborers? Well, it’s because the problem persists.
It’s a new year! And that means new shows, new trends, and new inspiration!
Here are the hot trends we’ve been spotting for jewelry this spring:
Mint. Want some color? Go for green! Shades of green are big big big, and everyone is especially loving mint and emerald. The Fan Earrings are a perfect touch and look good with practically everything; pair this touch of mint with an all black & white outfit (also popular this season).
A few months ago, I told you about Sunita, a once-shy and exploited artisan who found empowerment through fair trade. She started her own fair trade artisan cooperative, called Sunita Handicrafts, and Mata Traders is one of their customers. Her group has made such pieces as the Tiered Wooden Necklace:
The next generation of fashionistas walked the runway last week at Northside College Prep High School in Chicago. They rocked the looks, but the coolest thing about these budding style-ophiles is that they are also the next generation of social justice advocates. The students used their passion for fashion to teach their peers and community about fair trade and the way our purchases have an impact on global poverty.
Looking for tips on how to bring your Mata cotton clothing into the chilly winter? Then keep an eye on October Rebel, who has a knack for adding the perfect layers to winterize her Matawear.
The pre-Inca archaeological site of Chotuna, Peru, is a stunning 235-acre monumental temple complex where several royal tombs have been discovered. Despite the site’s treasure trove of history, the community near the site of Chotuna is one in need, living without electricity, a sewer system, or even clean water.
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In this photo, the ladies of sewing center #5 display the garments they stitched from our catalogs. Thank you to all of our customers for helping us bring these talented women more work in the upcoming year!
Our delightful intern, Michelle, brings you some delights:
Do you love warm, gooey, and decadent chocolate brownies? I do! But sometimes all that sugary goodness can make you feel pretty bad about your life choices. Why not decrease some of that guilt by choosing fair trade and organic ingredients! Buying fair trade food items is surprisingly simple. Many common baking ingredients like sugar, chocolate, and coffee are available fair trade from stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Just look for the fair trade seal, and you know you’ll be good to go!
Good news! I reached my first pledged goal of $400, so I raised it to $800! Let’s keep the donations rolling in… I’m at $510. Thank you to everyone who has contributed! That $510 raised paid for aftercare packages for 17 survivors of sex trafficking. Every little bit helps end slavery for someone. As a whole, Dressemeber is freeing a lot of people from slavery, having raised over $270K as of yesterday! To see where the money goes once it’s given to International Justice Mission, click here and scroll down to “Your Impact.”
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