Our newest video, just in time to cap off Fair Trade Month! Meet more of the women who make Mata Traders’ garments and hear from them directly to learn how your purchase makes a difference in their lives. Please excuse my less-than-stellar videography skills. Special thanks to Rick Romanowski for editing the footage and the Andreas Kapsalis Trio for the musical accompaniment.
Ethical Fashion Blog
From our coverage of the Earthquake in Nepal in April, you know that members of our partner cooperative in Kathmandu were safe, although many suffered family losses and damage to their homes. Now relief efforts are underway and are slowly providing assistance in rebuilding communities. Life goes on, and despite the setbacks that the earthquake caused, we are happy to report that our Nepali cooperative has had many successful accomplishments this year.
If you read our blog regularly, you know that one of the perks of being a member of a fair trade cooperative is the opportunity to take classes and attend workshops. One of our artisan cooperatives recently updated us on what they’ve been doing– they’ve been celebrating and learning quite a bit!A
India is the kind of place where a Mercedes Benz will pull up next to an ox cart at a stop light, and a man in an ...
Continue Reading
Athena is a mythological figure, an age-old symbol of many virtues that have inspired people throughout history. One of the most well-known goddesses of the Greek pantheon, she represents wisdom, justice, inspiration, courage, and the arts. In Greek mythology, Athena was the daughter of Zeus, the ruler of all the gods and goddesses. She emerged in the world fully grown, clothed in armor, bearing a shield and shouting war cries. Athena was from that moment Zeus’s favorite child and became who we all know now as the Goddess of Wisdom.
It’s that time of year again – the long days and warm nights turn into brisk days and chilly evenings. Throw on your favorite cardigan and grab your books. It’s back to school time.
The beginning of fall is one of my favorite times of the year. Though I’m sad that summer (and my internship with Mata Traders) has come to an end, I can’t help but be excited for the crisp air and for feelings of a fresh start to settle in – it’s a new school year for me! Fall wardrobes are an especially big part of my love for this season. I’m a practical girl, and there is so much that can be done with a fall dress with the help of layering and accessorizing. Take a look at these Mata dresses that can easily go from a casual day look in the classroom or workplace to a more sophisticated nighttime look for, you know, dates and things.
Continue Reading
If you know the story of Mata, you know that us Mata folk love to travel. We love it a lot, and I personally try to take advantage of every opportunity I have to go out into the world to explore. I’m the kind of person who will drop everything and move to Mexico for a year (to teach English) or embark on a round-the-world adventure with 2 friends (that’s how Mata started).
If you’ve ever read up on how Mata Traders was started, you know we have a giant soft spot for travel. Giant.
Did you know that today is World Elephant Day?! An estimated 100 African elephants are killed daily by poachers seeking ivory and meat. Today, people all over the world are coming together to protect and celebrate elephants, the largest land animals on the Earth. I love this cute photo of a Mama elephant with her baby:
Continue Reading
I am an intern here at Mata Traders for the summer and despite the cold weather drifting in, this summer has been great! I started here at the beginning of June and have loved it so much. As a college student finding what to do over the summer is always a daunting task. This year I was torn between if I should find a summer job and work to save up for studying abroad or if I should find an internship to continue pursuing what I love. Somehow I must’ve run into a bit of luck because I found two opportunities that allowed me to do both! When I am not here interning at Mata Traders, I am at a hidden gem: The Chicago Botanic Gardens.
Continue Reading
Spring ’16 samples are here, which can only mean one thing – we need your help! We have to whittle this collection down to a lean, mean, stylish fair trade machine, and your opinions matter!
Continue Reading
Wedding season is here, and with the historic Supreme Court ruling on Friday, this season might turn out to be even more wedding-filled than ever! You remember me, Hyunmin, Mata’s intern from Korea (I posted about World Fair Trade Day last month!). When I researched American weddings, I was surprised to learn how different they are from Korean weddings– especially the bridesmaids. To me, it’s particularly interesting to see all the bridesmaids wearing the same dress!
Have you heard of the Deagan Building? It’s at the intersection of Ravenswood Avenue and Berteau Avenue here in Chicago, and here’s why should know it: Mata Traders’ headquarters is located in the building.
Continue Reading
Just in time for the holiday coming up, we’ve got some style inspiration for all of your 4th of July festivities (plus we have a fun giveaway going on – win your very own red, white, and blue Mata to wear for the 4th!). Though they may not have stars or stripes, quite a few pieces from our spring collection really fit the bill when it comes to a patriotic look. See for yourself!