Ethical Fashion Blog

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!

So, I keep hearing people use the term arm party to refer to when you’re wearing lots of bracelets.  I think that’s hilarious.  Here’s our gorgeous intern Mallika having several arm parties of her own, of the fair trade variety.

One of the most amazing summer opportunities for American teachers is Teach With Africa.  This non-profit organization places experienced educators in underserved schools in South Africa to both teach and learn.  The org works closely with local partners to support academic programs, sustainability efforts, and social entrepreneurship initiatives.

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.

Have you got colored denim in your closet?  Pair them with Mata’s Honeydew Tops!