SEMINAR & MARKETPLACE: SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICA

Event Details

Time: August 18, 2009 from 6pm to 8:30pm
Location: Rich Mix Office
Street: 35-47 Bethnal Green Road
City/Town: London, E1 6LA
Website or Map: http://www.richmix.org.uk/
Phone: 020 7739 7692
Event Type: seminar, and, marketplace
Organized By: Spotlight on Sourcing
Latest Activity: Aug 16, 2009

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Event Description

FASHION+ HOW FASHION CAN CHANGE LIVES
SEMINAR & MARTKETPLACE: SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICARICHMIX, TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST 2009, 6pm-8:30pm

SEMINAR, 6:30pm
Why is the apparel industry in Africa so important? As an example, in Kenya 30,000 people are employed in the apparel sector- each job generates 5 other jobs (Going Global, The Textile and Apparel Industry, 2007)

Fashion products and supply create a life changing opportunity for many of the poorest communities in Africa. The Africa Inspires project of the International Trade Centre, which facilitates sourcing from Africa for fashion, have secured sustainable employment for 1,500 African slum dwellers and an anticipated 15,000 jobs in 3-5 years.

This seminar focuses on the specific challenges and opportunities related to sourcing for fashion products from a range of locations in Africa. Through case studies, the event will give an insight into how different sourcing models , products and businesses have maximised benefits to communities and minimised environmental impact.

SPEAKERS:

Colin McDowell, The Chair
Cristina Cisilion, Founder of MADE
Rohit Kuthiala, Senior Consultant- Supply chain at Accenture
Jo Maiden, Founder of SOKO
Claire Hamer, former buyer at Topshop, supply chain consultant
Eric Manu, Founder of Clothes Show Live, Ghana

MARKETPLACE, 7:30pm
Alongside the seminar, there will be a marketplace featuring suppliers, leading brands and support organisations working with and from Africa. This will provide you with a practical application of the topics discussed throughout the seminar, using the marketplace as an exhibition for direct case studies.

Support Organisations:
Business Fights Poverty, Arise Magazine (tbc)

Production Units:
Mantis World, SOKO, Poul Wedel & Co (tbc), Ethnic Supplies

Brands and Designers:
KiRette Couture, Mzuribeads, Tina Atiemo, UniquEco Designs, Fosuism, Lalesso (tbc), Akabi, Afro-Chique

Scroll Down For Information on Exhibitors

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Comment by BORA ASSUMANI on August 5, 2009 at 9:22: Looking forward to attending this and networking as I want to start a fair trade fashion business....

Comment by Spotlight on Sourcing on August 4, 2009 at 20:48: EFF can’t wait to meet Tina Atiemo!

Image: Japans Vogue, March 2009

Tina Atiemo is a Ghanian designer based in the UK. Collections are African inspired and not afraid to feature full-figured women.

Tina Atiemo was featured In in the UN CatWalk the World – Fashion For Food show in Accra, Ghana, featured on the front cover of Japan Vogue and has shown at Africa Fashion Week 09.

Image: UN CatWalk

Image: Fashion Africa - Tina Atiemo, Africa Fashion Week 09

Comment by Spotlight on Sourcing on August 4, 2009 at 20:18: SOKO will also be Exhibiting!

SOKO is an eco-clothing production plant for the export market that creates fair employment and offers training and skills development for the local community in Ukunda, on the coast of Kenya.

A significant 70% of SOKO profits are used to support community projects in Kenya, while 30% goes into expansion to provide employment for more Kenyans.

How does employment help individuals?
"I never imagined earning such a salary. My parents are very proud of me and I am setting a good example to my children. I can give them a good education now, to high school as well. I have saved a lot of money and my friends think I am rich. I really enjoy my work and I am happy people in Europe are wearing the clothes that I am making.”
A tailor employed by the SOKO project.

Find out more about SOKO’s work or make a donation

Comment by Spotlight on Sourcing on August 4, 2009 at 20:10: The Flame Tree

The Flame Tree is a party of community interest company - Tumu Enterprises Cic. The Flame Tree is dedicated to fair trade through importing handicrafts from Ghana’s Upper West and Northern region to raise funds to support young people in Haringey to give them training and opportunity within the business.

Comment by Spotlight on Sourcing on August 4, 2009 at 19:52: Mantis World to Exhibit

Ethical Clothing Supplier, Mantis World, will be exhibiting at our Spotlight on Sourcing event.

Production is mostly based in a factory in Tanzania, East Africa- which is audited against the BSCI code that protects workers rights. Mantis World have a fully transparent supply chain, they work closely with all of their suppliers factories to ensure the same high standard is met.

To find out more about Mantis World collection and bespoke service you can view them on the network.

Comment by Spotlight on Sourcing on August 4, 2009 at 11:36: Mzuribeads Exhibiting!

Mzuirbeads creates jewellery and loose beads. Products are handmade by a group of jewellers in Uganda.

HOW ARE THE PRODUCTS MADE?
Mzuribeads are made from recycled paper. To do this, triangle strips of recycled paper are rolled into a bead shape, this means the colour of the bead is determined from the actual paper chosen by the artist – no paint is involved. The beads are given several coats of varnish to leave them with a glossy and waterproof finish.

Visit Mzuirbeads Online Shop