Fashion ComPassion announces new media partnership with CityFM89

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Fashion Compassion

Fashion ComPassion announces new media partnership with CityFM89.

Fashion ComPassion is proud to announce that CityFM89, one of Pakistan’s most popular radio stations will be our new exclusive radio media partner from May 1st to November 1st of this year. We’re delighted to have them onboard as they fully support our principles and ethos as a socially responsible company.

During the 6 months of our partnership, CityFM89 will be working with Fashion ComPassion to increase awareness of socially responsible fashion in Pakistan through a variety of interviews, collection launches, competitions and Fashion Compassion event coverage.

Munizeh Sanai, General Manager of CityFM89, stated, “We’re really excited about working with and promoting a brand that puts social consciousness and economics together and makes them look good!”

Ayesha Mustafa, Founder & Director of Fashion ComPassion, said, “We’re extremely pleased with the partnership with CityFM89 as their programs cater to our target audience. Our message of creating positive change through fashion or any business one starts is what we want to give to the youth of Pakistan.”

For more info please visit the Fashion ComPassion Facebook and Twitter pages and CityFM89 website and Twitter pages.

Fashion ComPassion: 3 Days in Paris!

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Fashion Compassion

Last week, Ayesha Mustafa, the Founder & Director of Fashion ComPassion, went on a 3 day trip to Paris to research sustainable fashion brands and meet with key individuals who are playing a role in bringing socially responsible fashion into the mainstream of French fashion market.

April 16th

Ayesha and Kibamba Nimon (Communications & Business Development Intern in Paris) met at Printemps roof terrace to plan out the afternoon.

The breath taking view from Deli-Cieux!

Ayesha and Kibamaba decided to first take a look at EKYOG at Galleria Lafayatte. EKYOG, the Positive Fashion label founded by Nathalie Lebas-Vautier in 2003, works with Soieries du Mékong, a social enterprise which employs women artisans in Cambodia to produce high quality silk scarves. These hand woven scarves are also sold on the Fashion ComPassion website.

A look at EKOG’s summer collection!

Next, Ayesha and Kibamaba headed to Pigalle to visit MyPhilosophy, a shop which sells exquisite collections of womenswear produced by artisans in Cambodia.

Kroeusna – the founder of MyPhilosophy.

Kroeusna, the founder of MyPhilsophy, designs and sources fabric from Cambodia and has launched a workshop for unemployed individuals, offering training and employment opportunities through the brand.

MyPhilosophy Collection

April 17th

Ayesha and Kibamba met with Isabelle Quehe, the founder of the Universal Love Association, who has been actively promoting ethical fashion in Paris for the last 18 years. Launched back in 1995, Universal Love originally supported young artisans as there were not enough venues in Paris to showcase their work to the public. Today, it is, without doubt, one of the biggest names in the ethical fashion industry.

The Universal Love Association spread the word further with its Ethical Fashion Show. Isabella explained the challenges that sustainable fashion was facing in France, with a number of brands failing to make an impact and shutting down. As Paris is more a city where big brands sell, it is not an easy market for sustainable fashion to flourish in.

Brand information pack from the 2012 Ethical Fashion Show.

Isabella took Ayesha and Kibamba through the 2012 brand information pack from Ethical Fashion Show Paris and identified few brands which Fashion ComPassion could work with in the future.

April 18th

Ayesha and Kibamba met with the founder of Un Eté En Automne, a sustainable fashion label that uses vegetable tan leather in the production of their accessories. Their products are handcrafted by artisans in Morocco, Peru & India.

Un Eté En Automne’s window display.

Un Eté En Automne collection.

It was a pleasure to visit Ambryn’s store, a creative organic label made in France. Ayesha and Kibamba met with Gabrielle, one of the founders of the brand who showed them around the store and explained the ethos and philosophy behind the brand.

Ambryn’s clothing, accessories and scarves are beautifully made using the best organic fabrics with the trendiest cuts and styles.

Ambrym’s 2013 Look Book – some of its collection will be on the Fashion ComPassion website soon!

The last stop on the trip was at DeGris, a luxury leather goods company which creates the most exceptional accessories from leather and horn. DeGris is not just a luxury label. It also works with artisans in Haiti and provides them with training and a regular income. DeGris new collection will be available in stores in the next couple of months!

DeGris Press Book.

DeGris Clutch – made of calf leather and handcrafted genuine horn in Haiti.

photo of DeGris’ social commitment and its work with La Main, a non-profit organisation which manages the economic and social development of the Haitian artisans.

After the meeting with DeGris, Ayesha and Kibama had a working lunch meeting in order to recap on the various brands they had seen and finalised new brands which would be joining Fashion ComPassion. After a busy couple of days, it was time to say “Au revoir!” to Paris and head back to London. Until the next time!

Guest Blogger Of The Month: Veronica Crespi

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Fashion Compassion

Veronica Crespi

What is the name of your blog?

Rewardrobe

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am a sustainable fashion advisor and in 2009 I launched Rewardrobe, London’s first Slow Style Consultancy. I created Rewardrobe out of my passion for Slow Fashion, which comes from my relationship with fashion that I nurtured while growing up in Italy – a nation whose long-standing high-quality manufacturing traditions are in complete antithesis with the whole idea of fast fashion. Cheap brands have hit Italy too, but more recently and with less impact than in the UK. So when I moved to London I saw the opportunity to bring my point of view and my experience to people in the UK who are interested in a more mindful approach.

I work with clients to advise them on how to match their personal style with a more conscious view of fashion, and I also work with brands to help them communicate their ethical values through various platforms.

What are your views on ethical fashion?

Ethical fashion can be many different things – it’s about the materials used, or the way garments are manufactured, but it’s also very much about how garments are perceived, and therefore used and maintained by the wearers. This is why I advocate the concept of Slow Fashion: it’s about a holistic approach to quality and style, about re-evaluating the value of what we buy, and having a reason to buy clothes other than that they’re available and affordable.

An informed consumer might do extensive research about the fabrics, or how fairly workers who made their clothes are paid, but not everyone goes so in-depth yet. At a more general level, I want to communicate a new philosophy that’s about taking a step back from fast and furious shopping, and placing the emphasis back on quality, manufacturing, the experience of shopping for one’s own style, and cherishing what we already have rather than wanting more and more.

What is your favourite piece from the Fashion ComPassion website?

Red Sindoor Durri Necklace By Inaaya

The Red Sindoor Durri Necklace By Inaaya- I am mad about necklaces, the bolder the better! This is suitably big for my taste, and it shows great traditional skills in the way it’s made.

Tulip Black Bag By GUNAS

Tulip Black Bag By GUNAS - The classic bag every woman needs: it can be comfortable and useful but it doesn’t compromise on beauty, quality or ethics.

Photo credits

In the past year and a half, I have been working on a side project called Up-Wardrobe, aimed at promoting upcycled fashion and designers. I have collaborated with a number of designers, giving them the challenge to upcycle old clothes from my own wardrobe.

I have recently shown the pieces for the first time in Manchester, at an event organised by the Stitched Up collective in partnership with Recycle For Greater Manchester. My picture is by the official photographer at the event. I am pictured with a head piece by Hatastic! and a neckpiece by Lumoi.

Other designers involved in the project so far are:

Global Gifts that Give back!

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Fashion Compassion

Are you looking for a meaningful Christmas gift for your loved one? For this Holiday season, shop on Fashion ComPassion for Global Gifts that Give back; whether looking for a socially responsible gift or an Eco-friendly one, we have what you want!

SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE GIFTS

Vivacious clutches by Nawa (£ 190)

Nawa Jean Bag Inspired by Jean Shrimpton, a British fashion icon in the 1960’s, these hand-crafted clutches are created with a mixture of Nappa leather and textured water snake leather in vibrant colours (available in black & green).

Working with women in under priviledged areas susch as Palestinian refugees’ camps in Lebanon, Nawa is a social fashion label with dual purpose: satisfy the highest standards of the customer and be a small engine for social change. All net profits from the sale of the products are channeled 50% back into the community and 50% to support UN Food Programme

Casual but chic T-shirt by Palestyle (£ 55)

Palestyle grey hear t-shirt 100% cotton t-shirt embroidered by Palestinian refugee women. Perfect for those casual days when you want to dress down but still look chic!

Wow them with this piece of art by Palestyle (£ 110) Palestyle necklace Wear an initial of your name or the name of your loved one in a statement necklace that has a wow factor and holds a personal meaning. The glam necklace is available in different letters, gold plated, embellished with Swarovski crystals and can be worn on a trendy choker.

Palestyle fuses the traditional Arabic heritage with contemporary fashion to create trendy and chic collections. The brand empowers women in Palestinian refugees’ camps in Jordon and Lebanon, by giving them a sustainable income and percentage of revenue from sales.

Inspirational Scarves by Lost City (£ 100 & £ 115)

Lost city scarf 100% cotton scarf with words COME CLOSER hand embroidered on both ends of the scarf, created by artisans in Lucknow.

Lost City scarf

100% cotton scarf with gold and silver metallic sequins densely hand embroidered in a zig-zag pattern inspired by David Bowie’s “Aladdin Sane” album cover. The pattern is repeated in three blocks on the scarf.

The Clash Clutch by Lost City (£ 100)

Lost city clutch This exquisite Clash Clutch is inspired by British punk rock band, The Clash. It has gold metallic sequins densely hand embroidered with steel safety pins using a hooked needle.

New York based design house, Lost City employs artisans in Lucknow, India, who have lost their livelihood due to mass production. Paid fairly on a weekly basis with a yearly bonus, the artisans are also provided with a health care plan and access to education for them and their families as well.

Shinning in the shiny shawls by Numa (£ 65) Numa shawl Beautiful organic cotton shawls, woven in traditional “métiers” with tassles by women artisans in Tunisia. The shawls come in various colours and various woven Tunisian motifs.

Numa employs women artisans who specialize in traditional and exquisite Tunisian craft which is now going obsolete due to mass market production. The brand brought value to the work of the women artisans by providing them with sustainable revenue and a market to sell their creations.

Baraka Sindoor to adorn the neck by Inaaya (£ 40) Baraka Sindoor Inaaya necklace This exquisite hand crafted necklace is a solid red 7 layer vibrant vermillion with a two way necklace with silver accents and a peacock fastener.

Inaaya means Empathy, the capacity to recognize and share the feelings of others. This Pakistani Ethical fashion brand produces limited run pieces by combining classis techniques with artisanal production. Inaaya works with women artisans in Khaipur, Sindh & helps to bring a positive change in their lives by providing them with jobs and income & further instills confidence and self-belief in them.

ECO – FRIENDLY GIFTS

Bag to make you feel…Special by Gunas (£ 130) Gunas tulip bag A perfect year round arm candy, this bag is 100% sweatshop free. The structured body allows for the bag to stand when set down and also lets you easily find everything inside the bag.

Colour to brighten your style by Gunas (£ 85) Gunas Emma Mini The Emma Mini in tropical green and studded details is your perfect companion for a day out. Sling it as a cross-body or on your shoulder with the adjustable strap.

Gunas is an exclusive, progressive luxury brand that proves that being green and looking haute is not mutually exclusive. These vegan bags are created by skilled artisans under good working conditions and fair pay, using eco-friendly materials.

Stand out in this Shipbreaker Dress by Bhalo (£ 90) Bhalo shipbreaker dress Truly stunning silk dress 100% hand woven and hand printed with small shell button and back reveal. Easy to wear, loose style with optional tie waist!

Bhalo (the Bengali word for ‘good’) is an ecofriendly label that designs limited edition women’s clothing and accessories, made from ethically hand woven and naturally dyed cottons and silks. Focused on honourable working conditions and community development, Bhalo works with local women, widows and indigenous communities in rural Bangladesh.

Fashion Compassion Now Available on Labels E-Store, Pakistan’s Premier Fashion Online Store!

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Fashion Compassion

After the successful launch in Pakistan, Fashion Compassion is now available online for customers via Labels E-Store, the biggest shopping online portal in Pakistan. This represents a further step in our drive to capture the market in Asia. The collection available features bags and clutches from our socially responsible brands Nawá, Palestyle and a new eco-friendly brand GUNAS, available in Pakistan for the first time on Labels. The collection featured is hand crafted with premium leather and gold plated embellishments. GUNAS bags are made from eco-friendly materials and vegan leather in fair trade workshops.

Another great part of shopping on Labels is our commitment to give back through fashion. We are working with the United Nations WFP Programme in supporting livelihood development for underprivileged women in Pakistan. Every time you buy a product a percent goes to help women run businesses and also look after their families food needs through WFP.

Here’s what you will find on Labels!

Nawa socially responsible brand

Anne Hathaway with Rockstar Bag!

Palestyle socially responsible brand

Fashion ComPassion launches in Pakistan!

Posted on November 22, 2012 by Fashion Compassion

Fashion ComPassion, launched a range of luxury handbags for the first time in Pakistan on October 11th at Ensemble Karachi and October 24th in Lahore, showcasing three Middle-East brands – Nawa, Palestyle and Sougha.

Fashion ComPassion Launch Pakistan

Fashion ComPassion Launch Pakistan After stocking in cities such as London, New York, Paris and Dubai, Ayesha Mustafa brought the brand finally to Pakistan. “Being Pakistani, I wanted to bring the concept of fashion that creates positive change and empowers women of Pakistan. By launching the company here, I want to provide a platform to our artisans on an international platform,” says Ayesha Mustafa, Founder of Fashion ComPassion.

These bags will now be available and accessible to the trend setting urbanite woman of today at Ensemble Karachi and Lahore, L’Atelier Lahore and LABELS e-store.The handbag collection launched is chic, elegant and hand crafted with premium leather and gold plated embellishments.

There was a great buzz about the event which was well attended by socialites and celebrities including Anoushey Ashraf, Adnan Pardesy, Sanam Chaudhri, Hira Tareen, Ali Safina, Misha Lakhani, Farishteh Aslam, Nida Azwer, Misha Lakhani, Shiza Hassan, Maheen Karim, and many more.

Anoushay Ashraf Pakistani celebrity

Super Model Iraj at Fashion Compassion Pakistan Launch Fashion ComPassion is also working with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in linking the agency’s women beneficiaries to similar product development while supporting their food needs. Partnership with UNWFP Ayesha Mustafa & Robin Lodge from UN signing a letter of understanding

Browse more pictures of the event on Dawn.com and learn more about the launch on Secret Closet.

Fair-Trade Unique hand-woven silk scarves by “Soieries du Mékong” now available on Fashion ComPassion!

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Fashion Compassion

Soieries du Mékong is a social enterprise that has a double mission: in Europe it is a player in the socially responsible fashion world, offering top quality scarves and other silk items; in Cambodia, it responds to a social crisis, namely the struggle against the depopulation of rural areas, through the training and fostering of its workers, providing them with a viable means of support for the long term.

Noted for its commitment to fair trade business practices, the brand creates two collections annually, designed by an artist in France and hand-woven in Cambodia by women artisans. Each scarf is signed by the weaver and on the label you can see the name and photograph of the weaver. To bring you closer to the artisan that created your scarf you can watch on the brand web site a film dedicated to the weaver and travel to Cambodia to meet these weavers as “Soieries du Mékong” believes in connecting the craftsmen to the customers.

Here are a few pictures of the scarves and you can find a limited range on www.fashioncompassion.co.uk

Guest Blogger Of The Month: Esther Freeman from Ms Wanda’s Wardrobe

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Fashion Compassion

What’s the name of your blog?

Ms Wanda’s Wardrobe

Tell us a bit about yourself

Ms Wanda’s Wardrobe is an Uber Blog that brings together some of the best writers on the blogosphere to bring you news, features and campaigns on ethical fashion. And through the Fashion Mob ethical fashionistas attempt to make British High Streets more ethical through people power.

What are your views on ethical fashion?

Although there have been great changes in the fashion industry over the past decade, it’s move to a more ethical model is still too slow. It is lagging far behind the food industry in terms of offering consumers ethical choices across the High Street. The ethos behind Ms Wanda’s Wardrobe is that if people power can end the war in Vietnam, we should be able to get a few organic t-shirts in Top Shop!

What is your favourite piece on the Fashion ComPassion website?

I love the burqua dresses. For a start I never knew burquas came in such incredible colours. It also is a dress with a story and interesting sub text. And of course they’re also just very pretty!

Guest Blogger Of The Month: Charleen Parks from Grazzhopprz

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Fashion Compassion

What is the name of your blog?

Grazzhopprz

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am the Fashion Correspondent for Grazzhopprz – a green initiative developed by Mikaela Ekholm and Tove Antonissen. The blog shares all aspects of ethical/green/sustainable issues, particularly new and positive things to the wider community. A former Londoner, based in Barcelona I am an enthusiast of fashion and digital developments with a love of travel.

What are your views on socially conscious/ethical fashion?

There is a cool direction and guilt-free pleasure you get from buying socially conscious brands. You are given the opportunity to make a positive difference to a community and to the world by gaining a purchase all for yourself. These are products that are normally faced with challenges such as price models, materials, resources etc, yet it is this same barrier that pushes the creativity.

What is your favourite piece from the Fashion ComPassion website?

I have a borderline obsession with tribal prints, so the tribal silk waistcoat is by far my favourite piece. I love the pop of colour and the ikat print. It will compliment my cotton dresses and gold arm cuff, worn best oversized for my holidays in the south of Spain.