Bel Esprit, the online showroom for ethical fashion has launched two programs to assist community cooperatives. Bel Esprit's Donate Design program will connect student designers with community cooperatives looking to create and develop fashion product lines. Students will gain real world experience in developing commercial products and communities will benefit from design assistance. Students of fashion design study the latest techniques and trends and can give artisan communities designs that reflect what the international fashion market is looking for. Bel Esprit will mentor the program, offering 25 years of industry experience to the projects. Fashion schools are welcome to organize a program on their campus to give students design internship experience while working for social and environmental justice.
Communities interested in working with established designers to develop product for international fashion collections can be connected to fashion designers, both established ethical designers and designers new to ethical fashion looking to change their business. Bel Esprit's sister showroom, Showroom International works with emerging and independent fashion all around the world, and interest in working with fair trade and ethical resources is growing. Bel Esprit gives designers and suppliers the means to connect at no cost. Contact donatedesign@gmail.com.