"The three fashion labels were launched by UNC alums to expand market opportunities for disadvantaged artisans worldwide. They leverage fashion as a platform to empower and connect women worldwide."
Beat Making Labs is a global initiative by UNC professors Pierce Freelon and Stephen Levitin (aka Apple Juice Kid) to create community Beat Making Labs worldwide. In collaboration with PBS, Beat Making Labs features fusion music from Democratic Republic of Congo, Panama, Senegal, Fiji and Ethiopia.
Check out the beats that the models walked to today:
My favorite is the third beat, called 2 Diablos!
World Micro Market hosted a market at the event to sell international artisan goods, as well!
Two amazing companies were featured during the show today: Mamafrica and Symbology. Expect a post on each Fair Trade organizations in the next month or so!
Mamafrica's mission is to "change the lives of the women in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the future of the children. [They] take a holistic approach to creating this change by providing education, healing arts programs and economic opportunity. This fosters self-empowerment, community and sustainability for the women and will ultimately result in generational change. [Their] cause goes beyond the fabric! When you invest in a product handmade by the women of Mamafrica you are giving the mamas a chance at a life they have always imagined. A chance to send their children to school to get an education. Mamafrica strongly believes that [their] women have the ability to overcome, and adapt from what happened in their past and create a sustainable lifestyle to better their own lives and the lives of their children to, in the end, create a better Democratic Republic of Congo. Mamafrica [has] created a safe haven for these women to regain their independence, express their voice and take control of their lives. The change [they] strive to make is a second chance at a healthy lifestyle for the women at Mamafrica. [They] take a holistic approach to change and believe that when you invest in a woman’s life, she can move mountains."
Check out Mamafrica designs on Facebook at : https://www.facebook.com/MamAfricaCongo, and visit their website at http://mamafricadesigns.com/.
The picture on the right is from my FIRST ever fashion show! It went really well, and I loved being able to rock such a gorgeous Fair Trade dress!
(P.S. it is only $45.00!)
Shop Mamafrica on Etsy at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MamafricaDesigns, or if you live in the Triangle (Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh) stop by www.oneworldmarket.info for a collection of Mamafrica dresses, yoga bags, and tablecloths!
Left: wearing a high waisted skirt- $27.00
Right: wearing a Nabintu mini skirt- $35.00
I have modeled for Mamafrica MANY times before, so for this fashion show I decided to switch it up, and wear Symbology!
(quick selfie before the show!)
"Symbology is an ethical fashion label that fuses artisan textiles with fashion forward designs to bring authentic apparel to the boutique market. [They] bring a fresh spin to centuries-old artistic traditions by interpreting them into a modern, sexy collection. [They] envision fashion as a platform to empower the poor, preserve traditional arts and connect women worldwide. [They] address a rapidly growing market demand for products that are fashion-forward and sustainably produced. [Their] premier designs revive threatened arts in developing countries by improving their commercial viability for the Western market. Increased market access and visibility gives [their] artisan producer groups the capacity to develop their communities. With each Symbology purchase, [the] customer has invested in a fashionable, one-of-a-kind piece that empowers women across the globe."
Below are some photos from the fashion show!
Wearing a beautiful chevron maxi- unfortunately this color is sold out BUT, get the same look in RED for only $120.00 on Symbology's website!
The Fashion show was GREAT! There was a huge turn out of students, which means that a ton of people had the opportunity to learn about how AMAZING Fair Trade is!
fair trade love always,
catie
You look beautiful, love! Can't wait to have some money to spend on these gorgeous and green brands :D
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