Nomi Network Fashion Corner: Summer Trend Report: Prints & Ethical Fashion
Prints are everywhere this spring and summer! From bright
floral designs to tribal patterns, prints are this season’s most popular look. Ethical
fashion is on top of this trend. Many
innovative, contemporary designers use prints from local artisans and Fair
Trade cooperatives in places such as Asia, Africa, and South
America. Designers value both the quality of the traditional
prints as well as supporting ethical fashion initiatives around the world. Here
are some new ethical fashion lines that boast beautiful prints:
Inspired by the
unique design aesthetics of Kenyan clothing and the raw talent of Kenyan
locals, designers Olivia Kennaway and Alice Heusser formed Lalesso. The line is bursting with gorgeous prints and carefree
silhouettes. The business pays workers a fair wage to help improve the standard
of living while harnessing the talent of local artisans and supporting them in
their design initiatives. Lalesso produces quality garments by upholding fair
trade practices and realizing the potential of local talent.
Choolips, another
fantastic ethical fashion company based in London,
works with local artisans in Kenya,
Ghana and India. Choolips
is committed to Fair Trade, local production as well as minimizing the brand’s
water and carbon footprints. In Ghana,
Choolips introduced new technology and trend-led designs to sustain the ancient
Batik technique. The collection ‘Golden
Coast’ features talent
from local Ghanian batikers and Kenyan seamstresses and tailors. The newest
collection ‘Planet India’
is entirely made by hand using hand-woven khadi fabrics. The ‘Golden Coast’
scarves feature traditional prints in bright, bold colors. They are perfect for
summer!
Afia, a sustainable
women’s line, creatively mixes traditional textiles of West
Africa with American trends to create an “urban indigenous”
aesthetic. Designer Meghan Sebold believes in true sustainability by creating
prosperity for all involved. Afia works directly with sewing cooperatives in Ghana
who create pieces that are fresh and fun. The summer ’12 collection includes
bright floral printed skirts, neon tribal prints, and vibrant maxi
dresses.
If you’re looking for fun, bold prints for summer, these
ethical fashion lines offer unique, beautifully crafted prints that transcend
trends.
- Sachiko Pettit
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