You can email me at bbw@shine-21.com

thanx for taking so much interest.my id is garimanov05@gmail.com

Hi David, if you like you could send some info to fashionmeetsfair@gmail.com.
Best regards

Hi David, Thanks for your comment, I think your company is very inspirational. I love the tartan sheep image and you know, with a bit of genetic modification, I'm sure it's actually possible! Whether that is ethical fashion or not is an interesting question.
Suzanne

Hi David, I quite agree about wool production, the african tartan is a phenomenal enterprise, not enough people know about this!
Re my stuff, yes, it's a long way from having an impact on established natural fibres and production methods but I believe it's worth pursuing for the long term.
Suzanne

Hi David. Tell me more.

Kate

Yes you have nailed it on the head. I am launching a unique 2 day sale platform for companies to launch their products in January 2010. We are producing a video to showcase the context for each of the brands. So we will be like QVC meets Daily Candy meets project Red. We have a 250,000 sq foot facility to warehouse and ship our products and we will launch with over 300,000 members. We will help pave the way for conscious consumers to sample new brands and for brands to be able to engage with their consumers. Our site is being built now . My email is kmd@wellness2day.com. We would love to know more about your brand!

Cheers.Kate

Thank u David,ne help would b greatly appreciated!

Tell me more about what you have. I can pass the information on to students and faculty at Parsons/Fashion.

Hi David,
I agree... completely!
Some of the fabrics and ideas i have read about though, I have found fascinating. Some of the technology (some of the ones that I have read about) is moving in the right direction though. I like the idea of technology being used to HELP. And it can. For instance Solar Bags. Its such a simple idea... so easy to make too... when i first read about them I couldn't understand why more people weren't making them because there is definitely a demographic that would be eager to use them. Perhaps it makes a very very small difference to the over all energy consumption... but it's a step in the right direction... making people aware of the other sources of energy if nothing else.
Then there is Polygiene, another one i have only read about and not thoroughly researched. Again, i was floored. Clothes last longer, you're protected from bacteria, you sweat less, it stays cleaner longer.... thus leading to less illnesses and less water consumption. :) --- again .... making a small difference i suppose.... but, i believe it is moving in the right direction.
Also! The shirts using nanotechnology that is sensitive to weather change! Perhaps people can start buying less because their garments are multi purpose --- (too naive? )
The future of fashion is what drew me to study the subject, to want to work in the industry. The fashion industry plays a huge part in pillaging and destroying the environment.
I feel like technology can do so much to help -- in terms of the new fabrics that are being developed. I like the idea that the old and the new can go hand in hand and the new can do things to help better the old.

Thanks for messaging! Hope to hear from you again.

interesting, do contact me , and we will talk about it :)
la chinita

email me at ceo@orgdot.co.kr plz... I look forward to your product details^^

There are codes of conduct that companies adhere to but it can be a matter of opinion i suppose. What is it that your company produce?

my email is kate_hy@hotmail.com, would be interested to see what you do.

Hi David -
Thanks for your interest in TAMMACHAT Natural Textiles.
The producer groups we work find it difficult to produce sufficient fibre to meet their own weaving needs. They are primarily fibre producers and weavers, not dressmakers or tailors, so bespoke fashion production is not available.
However, we are happy to represent them to those who might want to buy their handwoven cloth -- silks or cottons. Being hand-woven on traditional Lao looms mean that the cloth is available in the maximum size of 97cm x 30m. Please visit our website for photos: www.tammachat.com

oops...guess I misunderstood the question.
These weavers can weave to order and as a tartan design (she said naively) is achieved by variegating/alternating warp and weft threads, I suppose they could weave tartan plaids to order.
The width limitation still exists (i.e., 97 cm.).
Let me know if that width is sufficient and we'll continue the dialogue.
Alleson

David,

Were are you buying your cotton from?

Vanessa

http://www.unesco.org/water/wwap/facts_figures/water_industry.shtml

http://www.waterfootprint.org/?page=files/CorporateWaterFootprints

David - have a look at these two sites gives you a broad overview of the issues regarding water consumption in general for agricultural/industry. The key things to consider are where is the cotton being grown? and how is the cotton being treated and turned in to a textile?

www.waterfootprint.org/Reports/Report18.pdf - read pages 31-32 to get a sense of the impact of cotton industry and consumption of cotton textiles has on water consumption.

From the report "The study for instance shows that the consumers in the EU25 countries indirectly contribute for about 20 per cent to the desiccation of the Aral Sea. Visualizing the actual but hidden link between cotton consumers and the water impacts of cotton production is a relevant issue in the light of the fact that the economic and environmental externalities of water use are generally not included in the price of the cotton products paid by the foreign consumers. Including information about the water footprint in product information, be it in the form of pricing or product labelling, is thus a crucial aspect in policy aimed at the reduction of negative externalities as water depletion and pollution. Given the global character of the cotton market, international cooperation in setting the rules for cotton trade is a precondition."

Do you homework - chose cotton produce by countries that have water resource management strategy see the Global Water Partnership for more info. Look at the production cycle are effluents been treated before they are released back into the water cycle.

Pretty much everything you consume uses water and like CO2 there is a global impact.

Vanessa

Hi David, they are from Argentina.
Kind regards,
Veronica

Hi David "

I intent to set up an ETHICAL FASHION BUSINESS & i am looking for manufacturers / factories in South Africa & India .

Hi David,

thanks for your interest, we dont have a website yet, unfortunately!

to tell u more: after a trip in India last February, I have jumped on a long lasting dream to develop a fashion line with the focus of making sure it is eco-friendly throughout all parts of the design, make and production.

We are a very small team, myself with four others (from fashion, architecture and graphic design backgrounds) who are passionate about starting this range - but very much on a part time basis because this is not a funded project and everyone also has other commitments (apart from myself who is doing a business course to support this project).

After my trip to the region of Pondicherry especially and meeting various contacts and small local businesses, I saw the potential of beginning something very special and unique... a new fashion range of tshirts embroidered in an eco-conscious manner, but very innovative and desirable design... trying to break away from the mould that the word 'eco-fashion' evokes and make sure that the design aesthetic is not weakened by the fact that it is eco.

We are in the middle of designing the pieces and are now looking for someone who is keen to be involved and experienced in drawing up designs and bringing a constructive eye to the collection. But also to develop a blog, a list of buyers/clients, to keep an eye on ethical fashion events, websites... So much to do that I am sure we can find something that could suit personal and specific interests.

As I mentioned, none of this is funded, but could be a fantastic project to be involved with and I am very keen to encourage anyone working on the project to join me in India (btw the 11th of Jan and the 12th of april) and work with the embroiderers and small factories and develop the range out there.

This is a lot of information and it would only become clear whether this is anything of interest to you after maybe we meet up... so you can see the vision and aesthetic that we want to achieve and then you could decide if it would be something that you could put some time and enthusiasm to.

Looking forward to hearing from you
on malvinaldine@hotmail.com

Please email me your contact details my email tasham3@gmail.com

Thanks. I agree. do you have any suggestions on video/youtube video that can communicate your point to upcoming designers?

Hi David,

I am looking for Eco fabrics with a international feel. fabrics with a strong luxury feel,so wools, satins, silks etc. Do you know of any suppliers that i might find interesting with good prices?

Regards

Sarah

Hi David,
I'm inbetween jobs so looking for a new challenge. The best email to get me on for work is rebeccagjclarke@googlemail.com. I look forward to your email.
Many thanks
Bex

Hi David, it is a very interesting initiative. Could you provide us with more information including photos so that we could mention it in our blog lfs3.wordpress.com (is in Spanish).
Hope to hearing from you soon.

no sorry no website yet!

Hiya David thanks for your email. I love the concept and the work you have done with it so far.
As a Kenyan, uniting the country with a Kenyan tartan cloth would be brillant. And wonder who you have approached with it in the country. I would also like to know where the fashion show was held and where.
Elizabeth

Thanks, david. Yes, I'll let you know what I find. Best, Tim

Hi David. Do you mean you have fabrics to make costumes? Thank's, but actually I,don't make costumes anymore, now I only make patterns to make theatrical costumes. I like very much yourorganization. I'm interested in sharing pattern of timeless fashion model to help developing areas to make profit.

Yeah, I'm always open to ideas

Hello David,
(Can't tell if my previous message got sent)
Thanks for writing & look forward to hearing more!

Best rgds.,
Jane

Hi Thank you. We can make and supply based on your style / spec. Could you forward your detailed requirements to gemcorp@gmail.com

Hi David

Shared Interest Society provides trade credit and term loans for established fair trade businesses. Currently we work with organisations that have been established for 3 or more years and who are members of WFTO or producers who are FLO licencees. Unfortunately ther are some countries where we are unable to lend directly, due to local legislation on foreign investment, such as India. If you would like to know more please feel free to email me jane.burns@shared-interest.com or call 0191 2339100 or you can visit www.shared-interest.com/customer.php.

Thank you David for the great advice and let's hope I can accomplish those tasks without being blinded by interpretations laid out by others.

wow thank you!

Hi David

I have the exact same question as you! We are able to source some fabrics from within Kenya but getting basic good quality, preferable organic, cotton that we can have dyed to our specification is still being sourced. Some people have suggested that Uganda may be the place to look?

I anyone else has any clues I'd be happy to hear them!

Denise

denise.ross@johari.co.uk

I look forward to hearing more about your stories. Email me!

You can email me at: publisher@adistinctivestyle.com

Hi,David,been sending you emails but no reply so i just come here to leave you messages. I had my interview today,and thx to your stories,the professor seemed quite interested in my work.
Just want to ask if you would like to keep me update on your 'tartans for africa' project,because am really interested in it personally.

hello,
We've "met" somehow i have created an alter ego here because of the email accounts and browsers i use, anyway yes to a form of collaboration tho locations may be obstacle as i am in USA .
Montana chapter of fashionRIP Project is all about plaids and Social Justice part of lecture highlighted the Tartans for Africa, the Andean Collection and the EFF -the Soc Justice and/or Fair Trade chapters of fashionRIP may have plaids too
The lecture snippet with your slide tossed over the talking head will be on youtube shortly if its ok by you. I received quotes and photos from designers etc but a few were used for education purposes only copyright leeway. Now its a different story. So will let you approve before i promo it at large.
Thanks for the contact and will be back with you soon....how nice and timely!!!!

Hello David,
It's three of Messe Frankfurt's apparel fabrics show that focus on sustainable textiles since a couple of years - Texworld in Paris, Interstoff Asia in Hong Kong and Texworld USA in New York. All shows are "normal" apparel fabric shows, but we highlight all manufacturers of sustainable textiles, e.g. fabrics made of certified organic material, using eco-friendly and / or socially responsible manufacturing processes, companies holding a certificate such as GOTS, OE, bluesign, SA 8000 etc. We do not organise special "eco trade shows" because we think that eco-friendly materials or manufacturing processes must be part of the conventional textile industry. Last Texworld we had 90 companies (out of 700) who could display something serious.
I'm new here - this is my first comment ...

I can speak to some persons i know who can do this. What exactly you are looking for? send me the details and your contact info.

Hello

I am looking for Bamboo, Organic Cotton, Soy and Hemp.

May

Hello!
Sure, I'd like to see it! Tnx a lot!! =)

Hi David

Dark Chocolate hob nobs sounds like a plan. I'm currently stuck on gingers nuts and tea, massively under rated, the problem I'm finding is I can never have only one!

You should try and invent a Tartan biscuit that would change the world as we know it.

C

I'll need to get on to that then.

Cheers

C

Hi David,
I hope you are ok!
Thanks for adding me!
I was interested to learn more about what you have designed for the World Cup South Africa 2010.
I work at Caipora, which is an ecological jewellery UK based company, and we bring awareness to Brazilian communities and natural elements coming from the Amazon rainforest.
I truly hope we could chat more and, perhaps, find a way to optimize our creative work.
Cheers!

xx

Good morning. Thanks for asking! My topic is consumer perception of the ethics which surround the fashion industry in terms of accepting responsibility and encouraging sustainability. I am really enjoying the topic, i find it all really intersting and i am looking forward to starting my data collection in the next couple of months. I like your tartans, the colours are great. Who designs the clothes?

It depends entirely what "working for" means. My interest = business models not only goods or producers.

So, e.g:

(i) A product is produced outside Ghana, sold to Ghanaians and a % of revenue saved for humanitarian work. This is very different from a model where the production takesing place in Ghana and the shareholders themselves are located in Ghana (e.g. a FT workers' co-op that directly benefits from the profits as well as wages/jobs).

(ii) A product is produced in Ghana (or overseas) using materials that COULD be produced (i.e. grown and processed) in Ghana BUT which are obtained from overseas. Here, the net positive financial impact on Ghana is questionable (in addition to there being environmental implications).

Example 1 suggests local entrepreneurship can eliminate the need for charitable "ad-ons" - it creates the local resources that plug the gaps which charities attempt to fill. Both examples highlight the underlying dangers of "capital flight" - even in initiatives meant to end poverty.

Re Tartan: Ghana is known globally for its Kente. It has come under extreme pressure from non-artisanal "copiers", producing "print" versions of traditional patterns. I am not suggesting this applies to you: Tartan is Tartan, not Kente. However, since the Ghanaian flag is red, yellow, green & black and many Kente designs already use these colours, my question is "What impact would the sale of Ghanaian Tartan -by charities purporting to work for Ghanaian welfare- have?" People will be inclined to ask why they dont just sell Kente cloth as "agents" + retain a % sale for their humanitarian work. People will also inevitably ask questions about intellectual property rights and the financial benefits of IPRs that will accrue to shareholders in the Global North (e.g. design right) but not the Global South (where, if Kente were to be sold, "Geographical Indiactions" might instead apply).

I could go on. I hope this makes sense!