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In the United States alone, fashion is a $265 billion a year industry. Fashion is a tremendous global force that can have a positive or negative effect on the world. Ethical designers recognize the impact of industry processes on the
environment and on the livelihood of suppliers and workers who contribute to the final product. They create collections that minimize the environmental
impact, and/or guarantee fair wage and working conditions.
The mission of Bel Esprit is to encourage and develop ethical practices in the fashion industry.
The use of fair trade materials and labor has not only raised the living standards of the farmers and workers producing goods,
but has helped entire communities as well, through reinvestment of profits to improve living conditions and education.
Fair trade cooperatives and businesses have given disadvantaged and marginalized people, particularly women, economic security and survival.
As more highly skilled fair wage and trade options become available, designers throughout the world will be able to source production and materials that respect the world and its inhabitants. Bel Esprit assists international designers to source ethical production, and helps developing businesses bring their lifestyle products to market.
The Donate Design project works to create sustainable businesses, particularly in the apparel and textile sector, in disadvantaged regions around the world. Donate Design brings together established industry professionals to donate their expertise and creativity to develop and build businesses that will provide employment, market wage and fair labor conditions to struggling communities. The focus of Donate Design is not to bring outside industry into a community, but rather, to build from within, using the local labor and indigenous resources. The purpose is to build enterprises that are self-sustaining, and contribute to the future survival of the community. Whether providing products and services to their local community, or providing production or materials to international fashion companies, these businesses will give opportunity and a secure future to families and communities around the world.
Each person has their vision of a beautiful world. All of us, together, working towards each of our individual visions, can effect a profound change on our planet. Even a small item, like a t-shirt, designed by one person in one city, can change the lives of people and communities half a world away. There is no gesture or action too small to take!
