From organic cottons and natural dyes, to textile recycling and local manufacturing, the green movement has taken the fashion industry by storm. At Voguette.com we take pride in encouraging social justice, environmental sustainability, and service to the community. We reuse boxes and bags until they are no longer usable, use FedEx reusable envelopes for shipping, and click our handy “print preview” option instead of actually printing (saving paper, ink, and energy). We conserve energy by turning off lights in rooms we are not using and our surge protectors at night. On WalkScore.com, our office scores a 95 out of 100 - a Walker’s Paradise! We are supporters of the Kids with Cameras organization the Brickell Park Project, and Parking Day Miami.
The designers we sell are also taking proactive steps to improve quality of life and be socially and environmentally responsible.
We asked our designers how they impact social and environmental issues, encouraging them to take part in our Green Initiative. Below we highlight some of our designers and how they are giving back. Follow us on Twitter @voguettedotcom to get real-time fashionably green tips and news!
Nikki Poulos
Voguette.com: How do you give back to the artisans that help you produce your collection? Do you pay fair and competitive wages?
Nikki Poulos: All my product is produced locally in Miami, Florida by a small factory that employs mostly women, many single mothers supporting parents and children. All printing of my swimsuit fabric is done domestically in Los Angeles, California. I contract the services of local (Miami) photographers, models, hair and make-up artists, graphic artists and printers for all promotional materials. I pride myself on paying fair wages under fair working conditions and supporting local and domestic businesses.
Voguette.com Do you personally try to reduce your Carbon Imprint on the planet? How?
NP: My former career was as a Marine Biologist where I worked in Coral Reef and Fisheries Conservation. I have continued to espouse and live by a "green" standard. I am conscious of my energy consumption at home and at the workplace, and drive an energy efficient vehicle; a Toyota Prius. I recycle wherever possible and compost all vegetable and paper matter. In addition, I have increased green space by landscaping on 2 residential properties by removing literally tons of concrete and pavers and replacing it by planting native trees and shrubs. I currently serve as a Director on my neighborhood and homeowners' associations, whereby we work to promote native tree and shrub planting as well as campaigning towards increased green spaces in our neighborhood.
By Lilla
Voguette.com: Does your company contribute to any charity, social or Environment organization?
By Lilla: We have participated in several bazaars and the likes and give between 10 to 20% of our earnings. These include: The First Annual “Eve: Women Making a Difference” event is a luncheon celebrating women, friendship, creativity, fashion and fun. It is a “thank you” to the modern woman for all that she is; beautiful, creative, loving, feminine, maternal, sexy, and everything in between. Eve is also a support network for local charities, helping women-in-need. 10% of the proceeds of this event were donated to Kristie House, www.kristiehouse.org, a local home for women suffering from abuse; IDF: Israeli Defence force; Temple Sinai Day School; WIZO; Petit Papillon Montesori school for an athletic facility; Seeds of Hope
Voguette.com: Has your company launched a special product in which a percentage of sales, etc is donated to a cause? Tell us about the product, packaging, the percentage, and the cause.
BL: In October of last year, we did a promotion that any pink product we have (two leaf rose in pink, flower beaded bud in fuscia, braided rainbow in pale pink, and antique lace in pink) we would give 15% of the proceeds to a cancer association.
JUDGE
Voguette.com: Do you have any Eco Friendly products or an Eco-friendly line? How and why are they Eco-Friendly? Talk a little bit about the packaging and the product itself.
JUDGE: Yes, a line of women’s rayon from bamboo
fiber and organic cotton t-shirts. Hang tags are made of recycled
paper. Packaging is minimized to reduce its environmental impact. Slogan: High fashion, higher consciousness. The Bamboo Rayon Raglan fabric is cooling in summer, warm in winter, and fashionable all year round.
Combined with 30% organic cotton, our rayon from bamboo fabric becomes softer
than ever, has beautiful drape, and fits perfectly.
DALIA PASCAL
Voguette.com: List events and awards you have received that recognize your green efforts:
Dalia Pascal: • Winner of the 2010 Independent Handbag Design Awards Competition (IHDA) for
most Socially Responsible Design.
• In January 2009 Dalia Pascal becomes a member of Fashion Group International, México Division.
• Dalia Pascal was accepted to showcase her collection at The NYIGF (New York International Gift Fair), Sustainability display for her involvement with fair trade and México’s government agencies to help promote handcrafts and fair labor.
• Wins the Celebrities Choice Awards as best Mexican Jewelry designer, Organized by In Style México in October 2008.
• Trunk Show and Personal Appearance at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, October 2008.
• In colaboration with the “Ojos que Sienten” Non-profi t organization, Dalia Pascal created
an accessory inscribed with Braille that said “Light”. 100% of the proceeds went to benefi t the
organization and its cause.
• Best Accessory Designer in México, By México’s Fashion Association in recognition of the
best in México’s Fashion, January 2008.
|
|
|
