I just returned from a fashion week party and runway show and noticed something different about the face of fashion, it is developing a conscious, or at least a little.
In addition to this event I have been noticing an interesting trend in fashion and I have to say I love it. It is a growing number of designers and businessmen/women who are using design and fashion to bring awareness or directly support the efforts of development organizations.
Just as a taste, here are a few things my friends are doing and some others I just found interesting:
1. IDEO's Social Impact Work
2. The Blind Project
3. IndiGreen - picture above one of their t-shirts
4. Donna Karan Urban Zen Foundation
5. Kageno and Me & Ro
5. ABC Home Foundation
So the question is, how can we use design/fashion to bring about social change? At this point we are unclear about the impact of these efforts, but what is clear is the universal appeal of fashion and, if successful, these players could have a significant ripple effect.
Great post, Blair! I agree that both fashion and design are finding new ways to create positive social and environmental impact. A couple others that are doing great work are Lulan Artisans www.lulan.com and Ecosandals www.ecosandals.com.
ReplyDeleteThanks J, glad to have your input.. can't wait to connect with you in NY in April!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Design of all sorts - fashion, product, graphic, web, etc - must be engaged to meet the challenges we face in an innovative way.
ReplyDeleteI love those guys/girls at The Blind Project!
Thanks for sharing this, Blair. Jaipur Rugs is another example of a company that's using design and craftsmanship to improve economic and social conditions in rural India: http://jaipurrugsco.com/
ReplyDeletethanks Nina and Kyle... so many cool things out there!
ReplyDeleteB
Enlightening post, Blair.
ReplyDeleteI believe you know Neil (from Wharton), who went live with his eyewear site yesterday.
Social change is at the core of his concept:
http://www.warbyparker.com/