“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain
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).
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.
Mata Traders is a fair trade fashion company, and we take both parts of that description very seriously. Our clothes and jewelry are manufactured by women’s cooperatives and artisan groups in developing countries that pay fair wages and provide safe working conditions. Our designs mix old-fashioned processes–such as hand loom weaving and hand block printing–with fashion-forward silhouettes and contemporary color palettes. Mata’s mission is to bring fair trade clothing to the forefront of the fashion industry–and to bring fashion to fair trade.
You might have noticed (here and here) that we have a thing for Project Runway. The truth is that we have a thing for reality TV in general (Survivor, Amazing Race, Design Star, and yes, even the Bachelor/ette), but we really, really love Project Runway.
In September, Kristin and I visited the women’s cooperative in Nepal that makes many of our dresses, tops, and pants. It was so amazing to get to know the women and see the whole process. I hope these photos and video clips convey that.
Mata Traders does it once again. Their color inspiration for this season was heavily deco-inspired. They are calling it ‘Romantic Folk Style’. The prints are modern and architectural, but the colors are soft and cozy – a great juxtaposition. Each piece is injected with romance, each color combination is down-right pretty. They beg to be layered up and worn on crisp fall days, or adorned with jewels and donned to a fancy party. Mata’s Fall 2012 collection leaves you wanting more!
Our friends Ian and Lauren celebrated the 1st birthday of their little dumpling, Hemingway, a few weeks ago (that’s the birthday girl there on the left). It was a lovely occasion in the park, but wouldn’t you know it, Maureen and I showed up in the same dress.
The first half of our Fall collection has arrived, which includes the full and flouncyApplique Plume skirt. It’s a great skirt for a girl on the go; pair it with a bright blouse as you dash out the door.
The lovely Holly in the Sweet Escape dress. Thanks, Holly, for letting our intern, Jenny, take your picture.
