group meeting 23rd june

[jacqueline]

Hi All

Just a quick thank you for those who were able to come to the meeting...i know some were unable to attend...just so you know it ended up being an interesting networking session. I did bring the cotton fabrics with me from suppliers i have ordered samples from and who do do minimums which are suitable to most new designers but these are mostly organic cotton jersey, terry, bamboos and soy and hemps including mixes of fabrics mentioned too. If anyone still would like to bulk buy and wants to discuss feel free to message me.

Overall it was a great opportunity to see people in person and to hear the interesting initiatives people are doing regarding africa in particular. I also spoke with a couple ladies who are doing the MA Ethical Fashion from my old uni Surrey Institute at Epsom now UCA. This has inspired me to go forward and pursue this course with a focus on africa.

Again I am and have been sourcing factories / workshops in east and west africa who can do the minimums and have the skills and can connect others if interested. I am presently testing them on my more difficult pieces to see the skillsets as well as finding out the availability of trims.. (many thanks to Prama of mantisworld for filling me in on a few things and also to be noted Mantisworld have quality stock of tees, sweat tops, polos etc that you can buy in different colours and quantities are very very reasonable too!! try them out!!)

So if anyone is interested in any of the points mentioned above then pls contact me to discuss further

jacqueline

[Katie Lane]

Hi,

Im a fashion student at the University of Westminster. Just finished 2nd year and have decided to take a year out to get internships with various eco-friendly and fair trade fashion companies around the world to get experience before going back and producing a final collection in my last year of uni. I spent my high school years in Malawi, my parents still live there and I come back every holiday. I am in Malawi at the moment so was sadly unable to addend the meeting, but from your message it sounds like it was really interesting.
You mentioned that you have sources of organic fabrics, I am hoping to produce my final collection in these fabrics but since Im a student Im worried about being able to afford them. I know that some companies sponsor students to produce collections in their fabrics and was wondering whether you have any contact that do this?? If so I'd really appreciate if you could let me know!

Katie

[jacqueline]

hi Katie

Im not sure if i replied to you..i have the information re the fabrics if you still need them and you can buy most of them from 1metre or 10metre minimums.

reply to my profile and we can talk further...i will send you a message too

jacqueline

[Nicola Thornley]

Hi,

I am looking for small producers in West Africa - mainly Nigeria as I'm planning on moving out there over the next few years. Do you know of anywhere?

Thanks a lot,

Nicola.