Like-minded people | Business and International Development Discussions - Ethical Fashion SOURCE Network2024-03-28T19:34:01Zhttps://ethicalfashionforum.ning.com/group/businessandinternationaldevelopment/forum?feed=yes&xn_auth=noFashion Africa Business Workshops start this May!tag:ethicalfashionforum.ning.com,2013-04-07:2622461:Topic:2079212013-04-07T12:12:02.299Zjacquelinehttps://ethicalfashionforum.ning.com/profile/jacqueline
<p>Fashion Africa Business Workshops start this May!<br></br> </p>
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<p><br></br>The World Economic Forum tells us that:<br></br> <br></br>“Africa is on the brink of a major transformation… the outlook for the region remains bright at a time when the rest of the world is facing major political and economic challenges.”<br></br> <br></br>Africa is a continent of vast beauty, colour, rich culture,…</p>
<p>Fashion Africa Business Workshops start this May!<br/> </p>
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<p><br/>The World Economic Forum tells us that:<br/> <br/>“Africa is on the brink of a major transformation… the outlook for the region remains bright at a time when the rest of the world is facing major political and economic challenges.”<br/> <br/>Africa is a continent of vast beauty, colour, rich culture, diverse traditions. It is known for its wealth of resources, its history, which spans centuries and its untapped potential. There is a growing sense of importance of this continent to the creative industry in particular to fashion manufacturing. Africa has become to be recognised as a growing hub of new creatives where, now in developing African countries, creative entrepreneurs who are able to compete with those in the developed world.<br/> <br/>With regular catwalks events happening yearly to provide platforms for African fashion designers in the Diaspora including Africa Fashion Week London, Mercedes Benz Africa Fashion Day Berlin, Africa Fashion Week New York, as well as the upcoming Africa Fashion Weeks in Barcelona and Toronto, there is definitely a growing interest with designers in the Diaspora requiring more information on how to make their brand a success.<br/> <br/>Aside from this more and more international companies are questioning just how to set up a fashion business sourcing and/or producing in Africa and are curious about how to make it happen sustainably and ethically?<br/> <br/>Recognised by The Guardian newspaper as one of their Top 10 African fashion blogs, and due to increased demand, Social Enterprise Africa Fashion Guide are launching their Fashion Africa Business (F.A.B) Workshops™ to nurture this need and offer a solution.<br/> <br/> <br/>The Offer:<br/> <br/>F.A.B Workshops™ offers you an original affordable, intensive 4-week program conducted in a relaxed classroom style format. Conducted by qualified industry professionals with at least 10 years experience in the field.<br/> <br/>The F.A.B Workshops™ gives design entrepreneurs the relevant tips, strategies, tools and resources to be able to successfully prepare, build and grow your own African focused fashion business based on sustainable design practices and ethical working conditions.<br/> <br/> <br/> <br/>The Aim:<br/> <br/>The aim is to educate and advise designers and fashion businesses on the relevant elements required to run a successful African fashion company. Whether you are setting up shop, sourcing or producing in Africa, working with African producers or using traditional African textiles and crafts in a contemporary way, then the F.A.B Workshops™ will prepare you to start up, get prepared for fashion shows, events and next seasons collection or take your existing business forward.<br/> <br/>Areas of study include:<br/> <br/>- Design skills for the African market<br/>- Designing with African textiles and techniques<br/>- Sourcing and Production in Africa – understanding the red tape<br/>- Working with international factories, mills, and print-houses<br/>- Understanding FOB prices, Minimum Order Quantities and Costings<br/>- Sales and marketing – understanding buyers and target customers<br/> <br/>AND more…..<br/> <br/>But BOOK FAST as places are strictly limited!<br/> <br/>Register by 14th April for the Early Bird Price: £120<br/> <br/><a href="http://www.fashionafricabusinessworkshops.eventbrite.co.uk">www.fashionafricabusinessworkshops.eventbrite.co.uk</a><br/> <br/>Details<br/> <br/> <br/>- Date:<br/>The full program lasts for 4 consecutive weeks<br/>9th May 2013, 16th May 2013, 23rd May 2013, 30th May 2013<br/> <br/>- Time:<br/>6.30pm – 9.00pm<br/> <br/>- Where:<br/>The Hub, Kings Cross<br/>34b York Way<br/>Kings Cross<br/>N1 9AB London<br/>United Kingdom<br/> <br/>- Costs: <br/>Standard Price: £225<br/>Register by 14th April for the Early Bird Price: £120<br/> <br/> <br/>Early Bird places are strictly limited and must be booked in advance.<br/>Register at: <a href="http://www.fashionafricabusinessworkshops.eventbrite.co.uk">www.fashionafricabusinessworkshops.eventbrite.co.uk</a><br/> <br/>Contact for more information: events@africafashionguide.com<br/>Follow our blog at: <a href="http://www.africafashionguide.com">www.africafashionguide.com</a><br/>Tweet us at @AfricaFashGuide<br/> <br/> <br/>CANCELLATIONS<br/> <br/>IF YOU CANNOT MAKE THE WORKSHOP BLOCK DATE THAT YOU ARE BOOKED IN ON PLEASE LET US KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, WE CAN ONLY RESCHEDULE OR GIVE REFUNDS WITH 14 DAYS NOTICE SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY TAKE YOUR SPACE.<br/> <br/>Please email events@africafashionguide.com to reschedule.<br/> <br/>NOTE: WORKSHOPS THAT ARE MISSED CANNOT BE REBOOKED OR REFUNDED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.<br/> <br/> <br/> <br/>About Us:<br/>Africa Fashion Guide is an information-based platform for birthed with the focus to create an awareness campaign that promotes the full supply chain of the African fashion and textile industry with an ethical perspective.<br/> <br/>Founding Director Jacqueline Shaw conceived Africa Fashion Guide with the focus to promote the African fashion and textile industry and create links with the greater global textile industry.<br/> <br/>With an international team of writers and contributors based throughout Africa (Liberia, Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa, Burundi and more) and Europe (Germany, UK, Sweden and more) AFG has become an integral one stop shop and primary resource for fashion professionals, students, retailers, magazines, bloggers and all those interested in African fashion and textiles as a way to promote this industry and bring links between African designers, craftspeople, manufacturers and textile designers with UK and EU fashion design companies and consumer markets, as well as with retailers worldwide.<br/> <br/>Africa Fashion Guide launched in September 2011 along with a coffee table style contemporary fashion book entitled ‘Fashion Africa’ (due soon for relaunch) by Jacqueline Shaw<br/> <br/>Website: <a href="http://www.AfricaFashionGuide.com">www.AfricaFashionGuide.com</a><br/>Twitter: @AfricaFashGuide<br/>Facebook page: AfricaFashionGuide<br/>Email: info@africafashionguide.com<br/> <br/><br/></p> Aritisan Cooperatives and Fair Trade Communities - Benefit from Donated Design to build your businessestag:ethicalfashionforum.ning.com,2012-08-27:2622461:Topic:1832992012-08-27T19:00:56.827ZBel Esprithttps://ethicalfashionforum.ning.com/profile/DeboraPokallus
<p>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…</p>
<p>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. </p>
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<p>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 <a href="mailto:donatedesign@gmail.com">donatedesign@gmail.com</a>.</p> Bel Esprit Becomes a Full Service Source for the Ethical Fashion Communitytag:ethicalfashionforum.ning.com,2012-07-27:2622461:Topic:1790192012-07-27T17:47:33.581ZBel Esprithttps://ethicalfashionforum.ning.com/profile/DeboraPokallus
<p><a href="http://belespritllc.wordpress.com/2012/07/25/bel-esprit-becomes-a-full-service-source-for-the-ethical-fashion-community/" target="_blank">Bel Esprit Blog Post</a></p>
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<p>Bel Esprit, the online showroom for international designers of ethical fashion (<a href="http://www.belesprit.net">www.belesprit.net</a>), has expanded its support of ethical practices in the fashion industry with Fashion (Re)Construction (…</p>
<p><a href="http://belespritllc.wordpress.com/2012/07/25/bel-esprit-becomes-a-full-service-source-for-the-ethical-fashion-community/" target="_blank">Bel Esprit Blog Post</a></p>
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<p>Bel Esprit, the online showroom for international designers of ethical fashion (<a href="http://www.belesprit.net">www.belesprit.net</a>), has expanded its support of ethical practices in the fashion industry with Fashion (Re)Construction (<a href="http://www.fashionreconstruction.com">www.fashionreconstruction.com</a>) , the online resource offering ethical sourcing options to fashion designers. The directory is now open to producers of ecological and fair labor products and services for fashion companies and is entirely free for listings and. Ethical suppliers (textile, notions, display, accessory components, production, etc.) to the industry may have their company, certifications and catalog listed on the site. Fair trade product manufacturers and artisan organizations may be listed in the directory if they offer private label services to manufacture products for other fashion companies. For a listing, contact belesprit [at] ureach.com</p>
<p>To help communities launch or expand apparel and textile related businesses, Bel Esprit launched Donate Design (<a href="http://www.donate-design.org">www.donate-design.org</a>), a program connecting communities with fashion industry experts and volunteers donating expertise and assistance. Communities may submit projects and requests for assistance, and professionals interested in donating advice, expertise and mentoring to developing businesses around the world may contact Donate Design to receive information on projects. Volunteers offer their help according to their ability and availability.</p>
<p>The Donate Design blog is accepting submissions from community leaders to tell the stories (written or video) of fair trade success in raising the standard of living for workers and their communities, and educate the industry and the public about the importance of ethical principles for workers, fashion companies and consumers. It is the mission of Bel Esprit to increase awareness of the importance of ethical principles in fashion, and promote the commitment to business principles that respect the world and its inhabitants.</p> Do you know where your clothes come from?tag:ethicalfashionforum.ning.com,2011-11-29:2622461:Topic:1608972011-11-29T10:10:52.746ZBusiness Fights Povertyhttps://ethicalfashionforum.ning.com/profile/BusinessFightsPoverty
<p><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1800288113?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1800288113?profile=original" width="720"></img></a> By Rushanara Ali MP, Labour Shadow Minister for International Development, UK</strong></p>
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<p>Bangladesh is changing so rapidly – I see this every time I visit. Growth rates are at about 7% a year and it is now one of the countries identified by Goldman Sachs investment bank as ‘The Next Eleven’ (or N-11) - countries who have the potential, along with the…</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1800288113?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1800288113?profile=original" width="720" class="align-full"/></a>By Rushanara Ali MP, Labour Shadow Minister for International Development, UK</strong></p>
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<p>Bangladesh is changing so rapidly – I see this every time I visit. Growth rates are at about 7% a year and it is now one of the countries identified by Goldman Sachs investment bank as ‘The Next Eleven’ (or N-11) - countries who have the potential, along with the BRICS, to become the worlds largest economies in the 21st century. (The others are Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Turkey, and Vietnam).</p>
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<p><a href="http://snipbfp.org/vXnRX7" target="_blank">Continue reading</a> about <em>Rushanara's visit to garment workers in Bangladesh with CARE International UK. The garment workers are receiving education and leadership training with the help of CARE Bangladesh. Rushanara introduces a film in which she explains what role she thinks big business has to play in development and urges UK companies to adopt more ambitious and comprehensive approaches to pro poor business.</em></p>
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<p><em><a href="http://snipbfp.org/vXnRX7">http://snipbfp.org/vXnRX7</a><br/></em></p>
<p> </p> A Fair Hearing for Fairtradetag:ethicalfashionforum.ning.com,2010-11-19:2622461:Topic:714132010-11-19T17:23:24.997ZZahid Torres-Rahmanhttps://ethicalfashionforum.ning.com/profile/ZahidTorresRahman
I argued in a recent <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sustainable-business/blog/fairtrade-row-global-trade-reforms">blog</a> on the Guardian Sustainable Business site that the current heated debate around Fairtrade is getting in the way of a constructive conversation about the very real challenges and opportunities it presents.<div><br/></div>
<div>I would be fascinated to hear your perspectives as experts and entrepreneurs in the world of ethical fashion.</div>
I argued in a recent <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sustainable-business/blog/fairtrade-row-global-trade-reforms">blog</a> on the Guardian Sustainable Business site that the current heated debate around Fairtrade is getting in the way of a constructive conversation about the very real challenges and opportunities it presents.<div><br/></div>
<div>I would be fascinated to hear your perspectives as experts and entrepreneurs in the world of ethical fashion.</div>