Brands unite for Fair-trade Fortnight

Images throughout courtesy of Surgery PR

Although I’ve previously written about Ethical fashion pioneer, Katharine Hamnett’s SS11 collection Here Comes the Sun, as Fair-trade Fortnight is now upon us (28th Feb - 13th March), it seems a perfectly good time to highlight it again. Inspired by her own archive from the 80’s and 90’s, all items are made in sustainable fabrics (such as organic cotton and parachute silk), with sustainable trims and a minimum amount of recyclable polyester. Here comes the Sun will be available from 1st March exclusive to net-a-porter.

Another company flying the flag for ethical fashion are Australian accessories brand, Mimco, who for SS11 have collaborated with ethical brand MADE to create a stunning collection of 12 tribal inspired pieces. Designed by Mimco in Australia, Mimco for Made products have been handcrafted in Made’s Kenyan workshop. Pioneered by Cristina Cisilino, Made create stunning accessories through the ‘Trade not Aid’ concept, aiming to break the cycle of poverty and empower the people who make their products. By training local artisans in new skills at their Nairobi workshop, and providing them with fair wages and support at every level, all products are hand-made using sustainable local resources and can be enjoyed guilt-free. Mimco for Made will be available from Mimco boutiques from 1st March.

Here Comes Katharine Hamnett

Image courtesy of Surgery PR.

So far 2011 has got off to a flying start for British cult icon and fashion pioneer Katharine Hamnett. Ever striving to convey her messages of political intrigue, SS11 sees the newly recognised Katharine Hamnett CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire), launch a new ethical luxury collection entitled HERE COMES THE SUN. Taking the name from a current populist subject - in recognition of the amount of free solar energy we receive from the Sun - Hamnett states we should “exploit and reduce our dependence on unsafe technologies”.

Inspired by her own groundbreaking archives of both the 80’s/90’s, SS11 sees the sartorial resurgence of glamour, elegance and sexuality achieved through rigorously sourced sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton and parachute silks, cementing Hamnett’s status as one of the most prolific ethical designers of our time.