Parsons Students Use Fashion to Fight Human Trafficking

On October 24, 2012 Nomi Network launched a partnership with Parsons The New School for Design to launch a Design Competition to educate and engage the next generation of fashion industry leaders to ending human trafficking. Fashion Design students are given the unique opportunity to use their talents to help end this global problem by designing a capsule collection of functional and fashionable bags or accessories for Nomi Network’s Buy Her Bag Not Her Body® product collection utilizing the ethically sourced recycled rice bag material from the Cambodian region provided by Nomi Network. If selected, the winning design will be made at Nomi Network’s Cambodian production facility, with 100% of the sales proceeds directly invested back into job training and opportunities for the women who help produce the final product.

Simon Collins, dean of the School of Fashion at Parsons, faculty advisers and student mentors are collaborating with Nomi Network to connect students to the stories and faces behind the cause. Through Nomi Network’s platform, students are given an opportunity to learn more about sustainability and ethical practices in fashion and design, and create a product that will help provide viable income for vulnerable women. The winning designer will receive an award at Nomi Network’s 2013 Award Ceremony, along with an abolitionist who will be honored for their dedication to combat human trafficking. The winner will also receive a mentorship experience with Nomi Network’s Creative Director and design team to learn more about ethical design, sourcing, and production, and an opportunity to intern at Nomi Network.

- Lisa Kim