Fashion as a way to Fight Poverty

[johanna]

Hey Everyone,

I am currently an MFA student working on my Thesis, I have decided to travel to Dominican Republic and launch an apparel company dedicated to giving back to the community. I am still really trying to generate ideas on how this can be done... here are a few of my ideas on how to do community work through fashion..

1. Give free classes to the public on fashion related topics. (I teach fashion at a college so I feel I have the experience to do so. I also work full-time as a designer. ) Potential problems: a. funding for materials

2. Try to establish a designer collective that focuses on giving back. By working with local designers we can together generate ideas on projects that would help the community.

3. Invite designers to create 1 garment of only recycled garments, hold a gallery exhibition for this event. Request donations at the door and all proceeds can go towards building lets say a park out of only recycled materials..like tires.

4. A percentage of all profits shall be donated to a local charity

............ I am posting this because I want to know if anyone has ideas on any community projects that can help benefit the people of Dominican Republic through the use of Fashion. I am open to ideas!! :)

Thanks!