Meet Siamanda Chege- and see how she is making a social impact for women and girls in Nakura, Kenya. Bébéravi was founded in 2004 by Siamanda Chege when she returned to her homeland of Kenya and was overwhelmed by the social and economic conditions. She felt compelled to take action and give back to her community in a sustainable way, thus deciding the best strategy to generate employment through a for-profit enterprise. As founder and C.E.O, a retired fashion model and mother of two girls, Siamanda personally designs the Bébéravi collection and works with reputable fashion and interior brands to employ artisans and develop meticulously handcrafted collections. Chege is also the founder of the Patrick Chege Memorial Orphanage which provides shelter, food, healthcare, psychological and emotional support, as well as education up to college for over 25 Kenyan children. A percentage of Bébéravi’s revenue goes back into the community through Chege Village. SOCIAL IMPACT COMMUNITY EMPOWERING THE LIVES OF WOMEN IN KENYA Beberavi's mission is to provide jobs and job training within the apparel and home industries. Currently, Beberavi employs 150 women in Nakuru, Kenya. This is an area with an unemployment rate of over 40%. Many of the women have been widowed by the AIDS epidemic and are the sole source of income for their families. Beberavi encourages the women to negotiate their pay scale and empowers them with wages that are well above average in this community. This empowerment not only provides stability for their lives but success for their children’s futures. When you provide women with a stable, safe, and secure work environment you improve the entire community. Beberavi also provides free meals to all its employees. Due to the current pandemic, there are new safety protocols in place and all precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of the women while they work. In 2006 Siamanda created the clothing and accessories line, BébéRavi, to address the lack of employment opportunities for women in a country where rural unemployment for females is over 50%. Beberavi employs local village women to create high-end clothing and home decor sold to an international market. 75% of the ladies have been widowed by the devastating AIDS epidemic and are the sole breadwinners in their homes. Current and previous clients include Oscar de la Renta, Kate Quinn Organics, Adam Lippes, Barneys, FAO Swartz, Post Imperial, Bergdorf Goodman, Lemlem, ABC home and carpet, and Calypso to name a few outlets. How can you support Beveravi? Consider purchasing Special items for a gift this holiday season. 50% of the sale will go directly to the Patrick Chege Memorial Orphanage. the are available now. 1. Hand Woven hampers 2. Hand Woven Basket/Vase 3. Hand Beaded Bracelets 4. Hand Beaded pillows Siamanda lives between New York City and Kenya. Her work has been featured on MSNBC, CBS, WWD, Huffington Post, Milkshake, Tonic, and others. www.beberavi.com Chegeorphans.com Support Beberavi today! For our readers, Siamanda is offering a special Pre-Holiday sales event. There are specialty-made items by the women in her artisan makers. To make a purchase and support Beberavi, please send a note to design@insidefashiondesign with the items you are interested in. We will put you in touch with Siamanda directly and she can personalize a package just for you or that special someone. Consider supporting Beberavi today. Each purchase will not only make an impact on the artisans of this community but also on that special someone on the receiving end of the gift! Like this article? Please share & Follow us to help us reach more people about Ethical, Sustainable, and Conscious Fashion. You can find us here: Find us here: Instagram Facebook Linkedin Pinterest Twitter

Hello! Are you as excited as I am for the holiday season? I love the preparations & anticipation of the upcoming holidays- A few of my favorite things are cooler temperatures (I am from MN after all) digging out holiday decorations, making a list of all the goodies I plan to bake, and finding that perfect gift for the loved ones in my life. I also love to wrap presents....as time-consuming it can be, I enjoy the process of choosing the paper, and dressing it up with ribbons and bows....and the best part? Watching the recipient's face light up with a smile when they open it. So when start thinking about shopping for those special someones, I have to ask...what's up with Black Friday??? In the not-too-distant past, Black Friday was literally on one day, the Friday, after Thanksgiving. Now as Black Friday goes beyond a one-day sale, it's getting harder and harder to avoid the temptations of all those bargains! So, in my quest to avoid the hype and to shop with purpose, l will proceed with caution, and remind myself that I am now more than ever, on a mission to spend my money on brands with purpose. I look for brands that are transparent in their methods, ethical, sustainable, and make a social impact. By supporting them, I am supporting their cause which makes me feel good about where I'm spending my money....and I can avoid the mad rush of the mall and shop from home in my jammies! As a long-time fashion industry working professional, I'm excited to see wonderful brand stories & new processes emerging within the fashion industry. It brings a smile to my face when I discover a brand doing something for good....such as compostable undies!! (yes, you can plant them....more on that below). So instead of facing the mob of Black Friday holiday shoppers at the mall, put on your favorite sweats & fuzzy socks, kick back and enjoy reading through this list of brands with purpose, while you sip your favorite flavored latte or a hot cup of cocoa. You can shop consciously this holiday season and will feel good when you know your purchase is making an impact! Oh, and dont forget to put on a you-tube holiday ambiance channel. Favorite Purpose Driven Ethical Brands Check back often as this list is updated as we discover more favorites Women's ADAY Black Friday Sale: Best Sellers on sale for the first time ever Their Purpose: "Aday is designed to be "ridiculously versatile" (Forbes). People wear it at home, on planes, on honeymoons, to the dog park, to office meetings, and on afternoon naps. 83% of women say wearing Aday on repeat has changed the way they shop. Your wardrobe can gift you time, energy, and joy. Bestsellers on sale, for the first time ever". Check out the bestsellers. Adays Philosophy: "Discovering and developing long-lasting, low-impact fabrics Our goal is to continue discovering and developing fabrics that are long-lasting, super comfortable, and have the lowest impact on our planet. When sourcing fabrics, we focus on sustainable, and long-lasting fabrics such as recycled, regenerated, biodegradable and bio-based fibers, renewable fabric manufacturing, eco-friendly dyeing and finishing, and innovative performance properties". "We are early adopters of more sustainably-made fabrics, especially replacing virgin fibers with recycled ones at equal or superior quality. In fact, 77% of our styles are made from recycled, regenerated and natural materials". Impacting our community "We’re a small team, with ~90% female and ~40% BIPOC members, as well as LGBTQ+ and disabled team representation. Committed to celebrating diversity and having the tough conversations, we actively seek to recruit diverse candidates and conduct re-learning sessions to review controversial topics. We respect and honor differences in gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and political views". From Aday.com Current Air Their Purpose: Sustainability: "Being good to Mother Earth is always in style. Here at Current Air, we’re committed to our vision of creating standout contemporary apparel while taking action toward reducing our impact on the environment. We’ve implemented a number of green initiatives in order to reduce waste and are proud to continually invest in smart and innovative solutions for long-term sustainability. Not only are we proactively testing and sourcing the highest-quality recycled fabrics, we have also been working to replace all packaging and shipping materials in favor of recycled products. As of September 15, 2021, we are happy to announce we have reached our goal to fully convert to 100% recycled & biodegradable material". Human Rights: "Our dedication to a healthy planet includes doing our part in building a thriving global community. We’ve formed close partnerships with ethical overseas factories that comply with fair labor and wages to ensure the health, safety, and quality of life for workers". Local Outreach: "Current Air is dedicated to being an ally to the community. We support the East Los Angeles Women’s Shelter through clothing donations, an initiative we began in December 2020. We’re proud to back their mission as they advocate for and empower survivors of sexual and domestic violence, intimate partner abuse, and homelessness. Together we can use our resources to create positive change. We’re big believers in the importance of giving back. In recent years, we’ve been supporting our neighbors in our hometown of Los Angeles by purchasing and distributing more than 500 sleeping bags to those in need—an effort we plan to continue and expand upon each year. Additionally, we donate a portion of sales proceeds from our annual sample sales to local and global nonprofit organizations, including those dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by natural disasters such as the 2017 Mexico City earthquake and the 2021 California wildfires". Corporate Philoshophy: "Our commitment to giving back extends beyond the neighborhood around us. We all have a part to play as members of the global community. In March of 2022, with the unfolding of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, we contributed a monetary donation to the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, in order to help support those displaced from their homes due to the ongoing conflict. Current Air is proud to endorse UNHCR’s mission of providing essential aid to Ukrainian refugees. This cause holds a special place in our heart, as our Head Designer has spent a substantial amount of time doing volunteer work in Odessa, Ukraine. It’s our hope that we can expand awareness of UNHCR and the crucial assistance they provide to populations in need". From Currentair.com Hope Continues Black Friday, small business style! BOGO50 on all jewelry and denim. Code "BF50" Their Purpose: "Style with regard to humans, the environment, and animals. This is our first year creating an impact report and our purpose is to be as transparent as we can and share this report to everyone and anyone interested in reading about what we do. Socially Responsible. We believe the actions of one impact us all. Consideration for our planet, our impact on it, and how we can continue to do better is a priority at Mary Rose. Sustainable Fabrics We have worked to bring in items that are made ethically and environmentally aware. The product lines that we choose to carry are focused on slow fashion, with regard to humans, the environment, and animals. The fabric of our pieces reflects this value. aEthically Sourced The brands Mary Rose works with have been researched thoroughly. We are committed to the fair and ethical treatment of each person that comes in contact with our pieces". From maryroseboutique YesAnd 33% Off Sitewide this Black Friday Sale. Use code YABF33 Their Purpose: "We believe that what you wear impacts your wellness, and how clothes are made changes the earth we walk on, and the air we breathe. Here's a deeper look at our sustainability practices". Our 8 Facets of Sustainable Style: Organic & Sustainable Fiber "We choose fibers, like organic cotton and TENCEL™ Lyocell, because we care about human health and keeping microplastics out of our ocean ecosystems". Regenerative & Biodynamic Farming "Our organic farm project is the heartbeat of YesAnd. By using regenerative and biodynamic farming techniques, we can restore depleted soil so that it traps carbon and fights global warming". Accountability "We certify our products to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) to ensure our products are sustainable from seed to skin. That includes using low impact dyes that save water and resources". Women's Empowerment & Fair Trade "We are committed to fair wages, empowering female farmers, sustaining their local communities, and no child labor. Over half of our workers are women, so our choices impact them most". Every Purchase Plants A Tree "We offset some of our carbon impact by planting mangrove trees, the best and most efficient variety of tree for climate change mitigation. We are aiming to be a Carbon Net Zero company by 11/11/22!" Circularity "YesAnd style is built to last, with longevity and quality central to our design process. We partner with fashion rental site Wardrobe to keep YesAnd in the system longer. Plus, we are finding other ways to give fashion a second chance" Traceability "We’re working to track each of our product’s origins -- from seed to skin, using blockchain technology. Scan the QR code sewn into your favorite YesAnd styles". Innovation "We’re at the forefront of the newest fiber technologies. In fact, we’re the first fashion brand to develop and market GOTS-certified organic velour products. We partner with other innovative fiber companies, like TENCEL™ Lyocell to achieve irresistibly soft and sustainable fabrics". From joinyes.com Koryphae Meaning of Koryphae: "Koryphae comes from ancient Greek and means Expert, Genius, Luminary, or Mastermind. In the German-speaking world, it describes someone who has achieved mastery in their field. Mastery requires dedication and care. Our partners revere what they do and pour their love into it. And the ultimate mastery? It's the final frontier: Mastering oneself". Their Purpose: "Koryphae was launched in Portland, OR in 2022 by Daniela Caine with the intention to create pieces made to the highest ethical and sustainability standards possible. A vision based on the idea of harnessing the power of apparel, using it as a vehicle for women's empowerment and force for good in the world. We use naturally bio-degradable materials, predominantly woven on handlooms, fabrics with inherently higher frequencies that help support our well-being. Each garment has a reason for being and we are holding ourselves to the principle of "Less is More", which directs us to create more space for what truly matters. Each garment is designed with an eye for versatility, wearability, longevity, comfort, and style. Our pieces are informed by West-coast causal influences and Bauhaus Minimalist roots". From Koryphae.com Malia Designs Their Purpose: "Fair Trade mission: Malia Designs was formed to increase economic opportunity for women in Cambodia and to support organizations that fight human trafficking in Southeast Asia. Our fair trade fashion products are made by small social enterprises that employ talented artisans in Cambodia. Through these partnerships we connect makers to Western markets, expanding their access to sustainable income and safe and dignified working conditions. Malia Designs also strives to assist survivors of human trafficking by donating to organizations working to fight trafficking in Cambodia and the US. Human trafficking is a multi-billion dollar illegal industry affecting millions of people every year. We believe that one way to counteract this global issue is to increase access to economic opportunity in the most affected areas". From maliadesigns.com Marcella Save up to 60% during Marcella's biggest sale of the year! Their Purpose: Four Pillars Together To Advance Women and Girls Globally: Democratizing Design Social Impact Ethical Production Sustainability "At Marcella, we’ve innovated a "just-in-time" production process that allows us to continually restock inventory throughout the year. This dynamic production approach allows us to sell over 99% of what we make, dramatically lessening Marcella's (and you're) ecological footprint. Eco-Friendly Materials We are continually researching and incorporating ever more sustainable fabrics, materials, and packaging. Wherever and whenever possible, we are working to improve. Because of this commitment, for example, all Marcella packaging is now biodegradable and we've switched to sustainable tencel-based European jersey. According to UNESCO estimates, 132 million girls between the age of 6 and 17 are out of school globally. 15 million girls of primary-school age will never enter a classroom. Half of those girls live in sub-Saharan Africa. The School Days Project One design, three school days. We partner with the global NGO CAMFED to support girls in sub-Saharan Africa - a region where poverty excludes millions from education - to go to school, learn, thrive, and lead". From marcellanyc.com Neu Nomads Favorites 30% off Their Purpose: "Years after we became friends while working together at a New York-based luxury brand, a Skype call between Karen in New York and Angela in New Delhi turned into a long conversation reimagining what it means to be a fashion brand in a time of global awareness and environmental consciousness. After decades in the industry, we felt it was time to make some changes. Our way? Beautiful wardrobe staples at attainable price points sourced from a clean supply chain. With this vision in mind, we took the best of what we’ve learned during our 30+ years in the industry and applied it to a forward-thinking business model that aligned with our ideal of creating a more sustainable and equitable world" Signature plant-based fabrics, sourced from sustainable and renewable natural resources and are naturally lightweight, breathable and washable. Satin TENCEL™: nearly 85% of our collection is made from this luxuriously soft and breathable textile, considered a milestone in the development of environmentally sustainable textiles. Derived from natural materials and responsibly manufactured using energy and water-conserving methods, TENCEL™ Modal fibers are extracted from naturally grown beech wood by an environmentally responsible integrated pulp-to-fiber process, which is self-sufficient in energy and recovers co-products from component parts of the wood. Soft, lightweight , breathable, and comfortable, this natural textile has an extremely smooth, soft surface that drapes beautifully and lasts longer than cotton. Great for sensitive skin. Eco-Jersey: Sustainably sourced from 80% organic cotton and 20% SeaCell™, this knitwear capsule is manufactured in Portugal and holds GOTS+OEKO certifications. SeaCell™ is a luxurious silky fiber made from seaweed and eucalyptus fibers and is produced using an innovative closed loop production method with no chemicals released as waste. 100% Organic Cotton Flannel: Derived from GOTS certified 100% organic cotton. This luxurious fabric is sourced in Portugal and manufactured in Lithuania. Ultra soft and washable, perfect for layering during fall and into winter. Linen: One of the lowest-impact textiles on Earth, requiring only rainwater for harvesting. Our linen is incredibly soft, durable and is responsibly sourced and manufactured in Lithuania in a factory that uses only green energy since 2017. That means all of the power provided to their manufacturing area is only from renewable sources. In 2020 only, 171 tones of CO2 were prevented from entering the atmosphere. Additionally they hold OEKO-TEX 100 certifications. 100% Organic Cotton Flannel: Derived from GOTS certified 100% organic cotton. This luxurious fabric is sourced in Portugal and manufactured in Lithuania. Ultra soft and washable, perfect for layering during fall and into winter". From Neunomads.com Paneros pan・eros - (Ancient Greek) all・the love Their Purpose: "At Paneros, it’s extremely important to us to have a meaningful name that represents the heart of our brand. We can assure you that every aspect of our brand is handled with love and compassion - for the people we work with, for the planet, and for you - at the forefront of our minds. We hope to not only meet your ethical standards here but also aid you in making more conscious, informed decisions about the clothes you choose to purchase everywhere.⁠". "According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development, the fashion industry is the one of the most polluting industries in the world. Making fabric uses water, energy, chemicals, and other resources that most people don’t think about, or ever see. We're committed to our 5 Part Circularity Ethos: Choosing Smarter Fibers and Fabrics, Responsible Manufacturing, Quality over Quantity, Less Pollution and Less Waste. We're not shy about speaking up on the impacts of fashion on the environment. By supporting Paneros, you're supporting Mother Earth and making fashion more circular. And we know that truly Inclusive Sustainability doesn't end with the products, and must include all of the people involved". From Paneros.com Tamga LET’S CHANGE THE NARRATIVE ON BLACK FRIDAY We all look for deals, there’s no shame in it. We run a few sales per year, and our biggest one of the year is coming next week: Forest-Friendly Friday. Their Purpose: "For the 5th year in a row, we’re offering great discounts during ‘Black Friday’ weekend. The big difference is that we choose to donate a portion of that discount to our frontline environmental partners at S.O.S., who are protecting and restoring the rainforest in Sumatra with measurable results. How does it work? We mark down sustainable styles across the website, and on top of that, we donate 20% of all sales to S.O.S. This leads to thousands of dollars going directly to an environmental cause that needs everyone's support". "We started TAMGA in 2014 while living in Dhaka, Bangladesh, working for the UN and different NGOs with an ambition to change the world. My fiancé Eric and I arrived shortly after a garment factory collapsed, claiming over a thousand lives and leaving a pile of fashionable clothing brands amidst the rubble. The injustice, and our role in it as consumers of these brands, became painfully clear. We started asking questions, learning about the industry, and visiting factories. We followed paths that simultaneously broke our hearts and inspired us to take action". "Protecting Indonesia’s Endangered Rainforests The biodiversity of Indonesia’s rainforests is among the planet’s highest; orangutans, tigers, elephants, and rhinos all call them home. Logging these rich forests for rayon fabric is having a long-term impact on the ecosystem that is hard to reverse. We’ve partnered with Canopy Style and the Sumatran Orangutan Society to protect these forests and develop solutions for a better future". From Tamga.com ACCESSORIES CAPSULE JEWELRY BLACK FRIDAY SALE NOW: 50% off Site wide with CODE: HOLIDAY22 Their Purpose: "As a serial entrepreneur and a mom, I started Capsul as an innovative way to capture my daughter, Azalea's cute handwriting and sweet voice into beautiful everyday reminders. As a former jewelry industry executive, I was deeply concerned with how toxic some jewelry manufacturing processes can be to the environment and our health, as well as the poor working conditions of most overseas factories. It is our mission at Capsul to always deliver premium custom jewelry made in the most socially responsible and eco-friendly way possible". From: Capsulejewelry.com ARTICLE 22 DAILY OFFER WITH CODE DAILYOFFER, GET UP TO 40% OFF SELECT STYLES. EXCHANGE AVAILABLE FOR SIZED RINGS AND BANGLES. ALL OTHER STYLES ARE FINAL SALE WITH CODE. USE CODE DAILYOFFER TO GET 30% OFF Their Purpose: "ARTICLE22 celebrates stories of positive transformation and makes real impact through jewelry handmade in Laos. We partner with artisans in off-the-beaten-track places to create modern heirlooms that are beautiful and meaningful. PEACEBOMB, our first collection, is jewelry handcrafted by traditional Laotian artisans from Vietnam War shrapnel and other debris. A virtuous circle, each piece helps MAG (Mines Advisory Group) clear unexploded ordnance, making land safe and providing new metal to artisans to craft more original favorites and new designs. The brand has been recognized as pioneering not only the transformation of weapons into jewelry but also the tangible value of fashion that looks and does good by customers in over 40 countries and press including the LA Times, PBS Newshour, Vogue, NBC, Wall Street Journal and Marie Claire Article 22 states that everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international cooperation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social, and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality". From Article22.com ALEXWOO Their Purpose: "Our designs are created using sustainable and ethically sourced precious materials and full-cut diamonds. Every piece is hand-finished in our New York City studio. Alex Woo takes pride in partnering with other innovative brands that share and implement our company values and beliefs. As a female-owned and operated, business, we strive to work with other like-minded companies that are trendsetters and visionaries within their industry. Having designed dozens of collaborations including an exclusive collection with the luxury candy boutique, Sugarfina, and the luxury beauty brand, Smith & Cult, Alex is also proud to partner with other female-founded brands and charities like the BCRF. Designing premium charms that foster passionate and emotional connections between women and fine jewelry is what drives us every day and we love that we can surprise and delight women through storytelling". From Alexwoo.com “As a designer, one of my missions is to continually make jewelry something that women will be proud to wear, and feel emotionally connected to.” - Alex UNDIES KENT Their Purpose: "We put sustainability at the heart of everything we do. From using natural, plant-based materials to creating an ethical and transparent supply chain. We focus our efforts on areas that have the biggest impact - products, people, and the planet. Super natural standards. Almost 75% of the negative impacts of fashion occur at the raw materials stage. Selecting certain fibers influences how we wash our pieces and also their end of life - from recycling, composting or landfill (85% of clothes end up in landfill - eek!). Because of this, we created our Super Natural Materials Standards - a set of social and environmental criteria that we evaluate all materials against before choosing to include in our collections. We are ruthless about only using 100% natural, plant-based and organic materials that also have the potential to return to nature as a resource. While some basics and underwear may contain organic materials, 99% still include some form of petrochemical or synthetic polymer - think spandex or polyester - that can remain in landfills for up to 200 years. Not to mention the negative impact these unnatural materials have on the natural world. We are committed to using the cleanest ingredients on earth. This translates to our super natural material standards - that every product we create must meet". From wearkent.com ☁️ 100% Organic ☠️ 100% Non-Toxic ✨ 100% Plastic-Free (and micro plastic-free) ❤️ 100% Vegan 🌿 100% Plantable (Biodegradable) Prairie Wear For the first time ever, get 30% off your HuggerVIDA when you use the code VIDA30 at checkout.* Their Purpose: "We work to create a community of support, and we mean that in every way – not just by designing supportive, secure bras, but working with Medical Professionals, Retail Stores, and Hospitals within communities to connect you with the information and access you need to get a great compression bra. The creation of our Hugger bras started with a challenge from an oncologist. The doctor held up a flimsy, post-surgical “bra” (aka tube top) and she said, “Can you do better than this?” The answer was, emphatically, "YES! We can!" "Made with love, safety, sustainability & superior materials :) Our Huggers are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified! What does that mean to you? Every component of our Huggers, including our high-performance, antibacterial yarn, is made from materials that are tested and certified as safe for direct skin contact. Also, just as important to us, the materials themselves were manufactured sustainably and safely". From Prairiewear.com HOME AND GIFT Beberavi To place an order for 50% off, with all proceeds going to support the Patrick Chege Memorial Orphanage. reach out by email: design@insidefashiondesign.net Their Purpose: SOCIAL IMPACT COMMUNITY EMPOWERING THE LIVES OF WOMEN IN KENYA "Beberavi's mission is to provide jobs and job training within the apparel and home industries. Currently, Beberavi employs 150 women in Nakuru, Kenya. This is an area with an unemployment rate of over 40%. Many of the women have been widowed by the AIDS epidemic and are the sole source of income for their families. Beberavi encourages the women to negotiate their pay scale and empowers them with wages that are well above average in this community. This empowerment not only provides stability for their lives but success for their children’s futures. When you provide women with a stable, safe, and secure work environment you improve the entire community. Beberavi also provides free meals to all its employees. Due to the current pandemic, there are new safety protocols in place and all precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of the women while they work." From beberavi.com Love Goodly Their Purpose: "LOVE GOODLY carefully selects brands and products to align with our mission of helping women discover healthier, nontoxic, and cruelty-free products. All products we curate in our box and shop are always cruelty-free, nontoxic, and vegan. We have labeled all products in our shop with the following values or attributes, so it's easy for you to shop by what's important to you." From Lovegoodly.com Hand Made Made In USA .Fair Trade Sustainable Production Vegan Gluten-Free Non-GMO Certified Non-toxic Charity Master Peace Box This a wonderful year-round gift idea! Their Purpose: Mastering inner peace is your life's greatest masterpiece. "Our mission is to inspire joy and peace through creativity, introspective insight, and community. Whether joining our monthly box membership or stopping in for a virtual art class, our goal is to make you feel better. At Master Peace, we help people get into a meditative state through easily digestible creativity workshops and conveniently delivered supply boxes". "Creating art holds your focus, releases stress, and increases the awareness of both our inner and our outer world. It's meditative in nature, and we thought it was time for a more colorful meditation. You do not have to be an artist or meditator to benefit from this practice". From Masterpeacebox.com BUSINESS BIBLIO BOOKS Their Purpose: Social Responsibility Here at Biblio, the "bottom line" isn't just profit — it is about being human. From the very beginning, we have acknowledged our continuous obligation to positively affect the world around us with our business. What started as a mash-up idea on our conference room whiteboard is now the foundation of our company: an EPIC bottom line. The word “EPIC” stands for Environment, Profit, Independence and Community, the four focus areas that are intertwined with our business practices and with one another. Environment Biblio is committed to preserving the environment. We were the first bookselling marketplace to offer carbon offsetting on all orders shipped through our site. This program, ecosend, is accomplished in partnership with Native Energy, whose projects include building sustainable communities. We also offset carbon emissions from internal operations, practice recycling, energy efficiency, compost, and paper reduction where possible, and encourage buying local to reduce the carbon footprint. At Biblio we constantly strive to maintain the balance between give and take. We love to give back to our communities, and in 2005 we founded the non-profit organization, Biblio Charitable Works, Inc., also known as BiblioWorks. After the success of the first library project in Morado K'asa, Bolivia, BiblioWorks became a major contributor in the efforts to bring literacy and education to impoverished indigenous communities. Since then, we have built 12 community libraries and counting in Bolivia, as well as assisted with local book drives, prison book programs, homeless shelters and tutoring programs. BiblioWorks is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.". From bibliobooks.com Blick Art Their Purpose: "We are in our third generation of family ownership and have become the largest and oldest provider of art supplies in the United States. Our products cater to the full spectrum of artists — from a child scribbling with a crayon to art students in training, to well-known art professionals. Our excellent customer service, extensive selection, and competitive prices make us the best choice for seasoned and new artists alike including art educators, architects, designers, students, and hobbyists." "BLICK recognizes the value of giving back to the creative community. We believe that art education develops the creativity and innovation needed to solve the world's most complex problems, enrich its culture, and provide a deeper human connection. We are proud to support hundreds of arts and community organizations across the country and provide nearly $500,000 in support each year through a variety of sponsored events, artist awards, and in-kind contributions". From dickblick.com ZEN BUSINESS Their Purpose: To support small businesses with affordable pricing. Including filing legal documents expert advice and education, So this year, I hope you will find a few items for people on your gift list, and dont feel bad including a little something for yourself! Dont forget to take the time to rest, enjoy quiet at home time with family, and loved ones, and perhaps a good book too! Here at IFD, we share brands & products we’ve found that are ethical, sustainable, and consciously designed. Enjoy this list of current favorite brands with purpose.....and check back often as we are continually updating! Do you have, or know of a favorite brand with purpose? If so, please share!!! A brand and story is never too small to share!! Like this article? Please share & Follow us to help us reach more people about Ethical, Sustainable, and Conscious Fashion. You can find us here: Find us here: Instagram Facebook Linkedin Pinterest Twitter Want to stay up to date on all our latest news and happenings? Get Inside Fashion Designs Industry Insights & Inspirations by subscribing to our newsletter! I'm careful to link to products and retailers I use myself and recommend. Any commissions are paid by the sponsor and add no cost to you. Money earned keeps Inside Fashion Design running and allows us to keep providing valuable content for you. Thank you for your support.

Adapted September 18th, 2023 Written by Contributing Author Sharon Redd Hello there! Is everyone ready for fall? I love the fall; the crisp air leaves changing colors and pulling out my sweaters. Fall also brings the season of going back to school. Growing up with a father who was a college professor, we were surrounded by college life, and every fall there was a buzz of energy as students came back to campus. With back to school in mind, what better way to spend the fall and upcoming winter than to learn something new, brush up on some dusty skills, or just explore something you're curious about? IFD Connect has an exciting lineup of online classes, led by industry experts starting this fall. Explore our workshops and treat yourself to learning something new! Enjoy our article below, written by Contributing Author Sharon Redd- Thank you Sharon for the tips! If you are just starting in the creative field, then you will probably know how difficult it is to build a solid reputation for yourself, especially if what you do is for a very niche market as is. Nonetheless, there are ways and means to make your presence known to get known as a fashion creative & here at Inside Fashion Design we share how. 1. Don't be shy about branching out If you want to get known as a Fashion Creative you mustn't be too shy to branch out and try different avenues you might not have considered before. For example, if you haven't discovered the benefits of creating your own YouTube channel, then this may very well be your pathway to success as YouTube is one of the reigning platforms currently for marketing unique content online. As for social media, online banners can work exceptionally well at grabbing your audience's attention. Moreover, when setting up a social media profile, most platforms allow for a banner to be inserted under your profile to represent who you are and what you do. Furthermore, choosing to leave one out can actually be discrediting to your brand. Therefore, it is better to use this marketing tool to ensure that whoever lands on your page stays on it to find out more about you. With a banner template, you can choose from ready-made templates online and then add the relevant text, font, colors, animation, and videos to put on your Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube channel. 2. Collaborate with someone who has achieved your desired level of fame If you are just starting in the creative field and looking to get known as a Fashion Creative, look for someone you aspire to be like and who you look up to. It could be a good opportunity to collaborate with that individual. Keep in mind, that a good collaboration means ensuring there is a beneficial mutual relationship between the two of you so that you can reach those untapped audiences that are likely to catapult your brand even further. 3. Build a stellar portfolio Your portfolio will represent what you do best; hence, it should only be examples of your best work yet. Furthermore, it is your resume. Therefore, you’ll want to make it as comprehensive as possible without giving too much away. Again, it's about highlighting what you do best in as attractive a manner as possible so that people want to find out more about you. Check out our advice for Portfolios Do's & Dont's 4. Focus on a business plan Suppose you have concentrated on building a creative business of your own, and you want to ensure that it's represented as well as possible. One of the ways you can do this is by creating a business plan that will outline how you intend to establish your company. Moreover, many of the details you'll want to make sure you include revolve around how you intend to structure your business; and what your marketing plan will entail as far as getting your craft and your brand out there and on the lips of your target audience; what your game plan for raising startup capital will include, etc. The Benefits of Having a Business Plan from Business Agility Pty Ltd:​ 1. Increased Clarity A business plan can bring clarity to the decision-making process regarding key aspects of the business such as capital investments, leases, resourcing, etc. You can't do everything. A good Business Plan will help you identify business-critical priorities and milestones to focus on. 2. Creation of a Marketing Roadmap Marketing is an important aspect of a business plan. It helps to define your target market(s), target customers, and how you will promote and place your product/service to these markets/customers. 3. Support for Funding Whether you’re seeking credit from a bank or capital from investors, a business plan that answers questions about profitability and revenue generation is often required. 4. Helps to Secure Talent For a business to succeed, attracting talented workers and partners is vital. Part of a business plan’s purpose is to help bring in the right talent, at the right time. Staff wants to understand the vision, how the business will achieve its goals, and how they can contribute to this in their own roles. 5. Provides Structure A business plan provides structure and defines business management objectives. It becomes a reference tool to keep the business on track with sales targets and operational milestones. When used properly and consulted regularly, it can help measure and manage your priority areas of focus. In the beginning, getting the attention you need to be a strong contender in your industry will usually require significant effort. But this really all depends on the time and effort you're willing to put into your strategy so you can reap the rewards of the creative energy and effort you put into it. By Contributing Author, Sharon Redd. "Sharon Redd created Live All the Way to help others live life to the ABSOLUTE FULLEST. She believes life all the way is a life with all the toppings! It’s ordering guacamole and queso at the restaurant. It’s wearing those bright pink shoes, no matter what anyone else thinks. It’s using your formal china for every meal and hugging your friends every time you see them. It’s eating ice cream for breakfast and so much more. Her goal, each and every day, is to live all the way and her mission is to help others do the same." Looking to start your own business and need some help? We love Zenbusiness for its free academy and legal services to get you compliant, and up and running! You can learn more about them read here: Start Your Business here: Looking to transform your designs and work to make a bigger & better impact? Stay tuned for IFD's upcoming classes- subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed of learning opportunities. Have you joined our community yet? It's a great place to network, reach out to industry professionals, and learn something new. Join IFD Connect here! We love hearing from our readers; Have a feature you would like to recommend? RECOMMEND A FEATURE STORY Want to be a featured maker or brand? SEND AN INQUIRY Curious about advertising with us? SUBMIT AN INQUIRY HERE Curious about Design and Development services? REACH OUT TO US HERE Want to learn about our annual Ethical Fashion Festival and how you can get involved? EFF INQUIRES Thank you for reading today! Did you enjoy this article? Please share! Follow us at: Instagram Pinterest Linkedin

Linen styles from the Koryphae Collection The Story: Koryphae was conceived in Portland, OR in the fall of 2020 by Daniela Caine with the intention to create pieces made to the highest ethical and sustainability standards possible. A vision based on the idea of harnessing the power of apparel, using it as a vehicle for women’s empowerment and force for good in the world. Koryphae uses naturally bio-degradable materials, predominantly woven on handlooms, fabrics with inherently higher frequencies that help support our well-being. Each garment has a reason for being and we are holding ourselves to the principle of “Less is More”, which directs us to create more space for what truly matters. Each garment is designed with an eye for versatility, wearability, longevity, comfort, and style. West-coast casual influences and Bauhaus Minimalist roots inform the pieces. Koryphae Founder Daniela Caine "The one thing you can ask yourself each day” Read Daniela's journal to gain more insights into her personal journey I love Daniela's philosophy around her designs, her materials, and her purpose for this collection, Here she talks about the materials which are a key component of the brand: Our Materials: We are designing our clothing with intention and care and prioritize natural, recycled, and organic fibers. We don’t use petroleum-derived synthetics, fur, or wool from mulesed sheep. We design with the end in mind, meaning that once our garments are no longer in the wear cycle, they will bio-degrade with a few minor adjustments. The majority of our fabrics are woven on hand looms by artisan communities preserving indigenous traditions and skills handed down for generations. Linen Made from the Flax plant, Linen is a sustainable fiber and a cornerstone of the brand. Flax is usually grown without pesticides and herbicides and requires far less water than cotton to grow, and far less energy than polyester to produce. Linen is a luxury fiber that can easily transition between seasons. It is thermoregulating and gets softer with each wash and wear. Linen is also one of the fibers with the highest frequencies – 5000- and can therefore aid in the wearer’s well-being. Cotton + org. Cotton We choose both, certified organic cotton and uncertified cotton. Our partners in India work with small farmers who are using traditional cotton growing methods without the use of pesticides or herbicides and very little water as they are working with pests and herbs to cultivate biodiverse, nutrient-rich soil. Some farmers choose to pay for certifications, some don’t. Some of Danielas Inspirations To learn more about Koryphae visit: www.koryphae.com

Weaving Social Good into a Successful Business Model was one of our recent IFD workshops, led by Julie Allen. Julie so inspires me....she is a designer, boutique owner, author, and advocate for a cause she is personally connected to. Julies passion is contagious and we got to hear firsthand, how important it is to keep working toward your vision, powering through those tough days and how aiming for your north star will keep you getting up & going after it every day. Online Workshop Replay: Weaving Social Cause into your Business with Julie Allen Making an Impact It is no longer ok for a business to be in business just to make money- consumers are asking what the brand or company stands for, what its mission is and what they are doing to make an impact. So as a brand, whether a personal brand, company brand, or small designer brand....how is your business making an impact by working for a social cause? If you work for an existing apparel company, do they have a philanthropic arm? Not sure? Just ask- perhaps they hold annual fundraising events, support a local community, or employees put in volunteer hours. Do they have a gift-matching program that you can take part in? If they dont have any of these programs, what could you do to help get a cause in place? There are ways you can help build social responsibility whether as an employee or self-employed. It's never too late to implement a social cause into your business model. Take a look at the ideas below...which ones can you implement? Here are 8 ways you can build social cause into your business Identify your Cause: what matters to you? What pulls at your heartstrings? What cause will motivate you to keep going every day? Research organizations: Who is doing the work you are passionate about? Does it already exist? Can you partner with them? Do they have events, fundraisers, or take donations? Transparency: Perfection is not expected, but consumers want to know what the company is doing, where they are going, and how they are going to get there. Are you an existing brand? If so, how can you share your challenges, what you are doing to overcome them, and what steps you are implementing to get there? Use your Voice: Through social media platforms, businesses can share their efforts and their values to find consumers who align with their mission. Start your own social media campaigns- share your cause, speak about what moves you, and build awareness. How to partner: Host a fundraising event- this is a great way to build awareness among the public, and share your brand's mission and the cause you are supporting. Give a % of sales from your brand- share this on your platforms so your consumer knows what they are supporting with their purchase Sharing the organization on your platform: explain how you support, donate, and advocate on behalf of the organization you are supporting and partnering with Use your platform: use your platforms to elevate the cause and your business. (sharing your cause makes great marketing!). Make it a regular practice to share updates about the organization, progress reports, latest successes, etc. Are you a student looking forward to entering the workforce? Knowing about a company's values and social impact efforts will help you guide your job search. Go after companies that are making a difference and that are supporting causes you believe in. Do you work for a smaller company with a limited staff? Does their mission include a social cause? If not, how can you and the team work together to define the bigger purpose and implement one or more of the steps below? Are you self-employed and not sure what cause you want to support? This is a great opportunity to discover your own personal values and what bigger purpose you want to support. Not sure what your top values are? That's ok.....sometimes we get so caught up in our roles and responsibilities, that we've lost touch with our bigger purpose and our why. Or perhaps you are a student, a young working professional and you haven't really discovered it yet. Maybe you love your study, and your work, but haven't considered your bigger purpose. Sometimes our values and purpose are crystal clear, and over time, our priorities change, or we discovered something new we are drawn to. Why is it important to know what you value? "Reflecting on what is important to you is a powerful way to get to know yourself better. While there are thousands of possible values out there, it’s usually best to focus on a small number of values personally. It’s tricky to juggle too many things at once, and values are no different. Most people have between 5-10 core values that they try to embody in their lives. Values are like guideposts in our lives. They help us stay on track, prioritize what matters, and make decisions that align with our beliefs and needs." Holistic Consultation To discover your values and why they are important, check out this article with a full list of values to choose from So, to be like Julie who has found passion and purpose in building her clothing line and non-profit, I challenge each of us to discover what's most important to us, to find our cause & purpose, both personally and professionally. Getting up every day with that in mind will give us the energy and motivation to keep reaching for that north star and will make an impact! To learn more about Julies non-profit, Mary Rose Foundation, visit here To shop her collection, visit here Thank you Julie for sharing your passion, and your words of wisdom and for all that you do to make an impact! Know someone who has an inspiring story to tell? Let us know.- we love to share stories of inspiration! Want to contribute an article? Inquire @ design@insidefashiondesign.net Like this article? Please share & Follow us to help us reach more people about Ethical, Sustainable, and Conscious Fashion. You can find us here: Find us here: Instagram Facebook Linkedin Pinterest Twitter

"Lean into the Hope that comes with Spring. Rejoice in that hope." I had a blast attending the launch party of Hope Continues, a collection designed by Julie Allen, CEO, Mary Rose NW Boutique Founder, Mary Rose Foundation Author, and Eating Disorder Awareness Activist. Julies energy and mission are contagious and inspiring! Check out the new collection and other sustainable brands she carries at: maryrosenwboutique To hear more about the launch party, look here! Hope Continues is a size-inclusive (5X-XS), ethically made, sustainable styles for the sexy minimalist. The line consists of a 7 piece capsule collection with the kind human in mind. The collection is for human beings that love style and care about social good. The goal of Hope Continues is to make size inclusion an integral part of the sustainable fashion conversation. With 70% of people identifying as women in the States wearing a size 14 or above, the slow fashion industry must become more inclusive. We are here to bring light to this important issue of fast fashion, size inclusivity, and sustainability. Each style in our 7 piece capsule collection was made in Los Angeles, CA with the highest regard for humans, animals, and Earth. View our Sustainability/Ethical practices HERE The collection has been inspired by Greek and Roman Goddesses. Embodying the beautiful, fierce, gentle, and powerfully feminine energy. Julie is a member & an IFD Coach within our community IFD Connect. To learn more visit: www.insider.insidefashiondesign.com. Looking to transform your designs and work to make a bigger & better impact? Check out IFD's upcoming classes with Julie. Stay tuned for dates! Thank you for reading today! Did you enjoy this article? Please share!

🌍 Join us at the WORLD COLLECTIVE Live Webinar on March 14th at 12:00 EST to discover how Impact Shopping™, powered by Sangrove | Impact Shopping™ is revolutionizing the retail industry so you fashion brand can increase your margins, boost relevance to younger demographics, and contribute to a more sustainable future. With 30% of products, including sustainable ones, ending up in landfills, we are determined to create a more sustainable way to sell and shop. By eliminating overproduction and the environmental and social costs associated with it, we offer consumers a new impactful shopping experience for the newest fashion. For brands, integrating Sangrove technology into their e-commerce platforms allows them to launch new products and capture sales before manufacturing. This maximizes sell-through rates and reduces markdowns, resulting in increased margins and minimized low-performing inventory. By offering the option to 'buy with IMPACT' on product pages, brands can engage consumers in a new narrative of shopping for impact. Sangrove empowers brands to stand out in the competitive market without changing their products. By enabling consumers to create positive impact through their shopping choices, we attract the attention of younger demographics. The impact created by consumers is measured, recorded, and rewarded, encouraging them to switch to impact-related shopping. Join us at the webinar to learn how Sangrove's technology can help you increase margins, boost your brand's relevance to younger demographics, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Hear from our Founder and CEO, Tatiana Alexa , a seasoned entrepreneur who fosters interdisciplinary innovations. Hosted by Britta Cabanos global lead of innovation programs at World Collective. JOIN US FOR THIS LIVE WEBINAR Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of the movement towards a more sustainable and impactful world. RSVP now using the link below. https://lnkd.in/eXpEDwRh

If I had to pick one favorite thing I love about designing, it would have to be working with the artwork and textile prints- choosing the prints, coloring the artwork playing with layouts and scale....its one of those tasks that I could spend hours on and completely lose track of time- Flashback to 2014 Collection I designed for Engine Swim. A print driven collection in styles for the athletic swimmer. Premiered at Engine's 2014 Swimwear product launch, Komune Resort, Gold Coast, Australia. The prints were the highlight of the collection! I hope this inspires you and if you want to learn more about designing, check out the article Beyond the Runway: 30 Reasons Why I Love Being a Fashion Designer Interested in learning Print Design? Check out our online course page here- and watch for additional courses being added!

In the dynamic world of fashion, where trends come and go, one element that stands the test of time is a compelling brand story. Conscious brand storytelling and crafting narratives that resonate with your target audience. goes beyond showcasing products; it creates an emotional connection with consumers. Consciously, where values and ethics play a pivotal role, storytelling becomes even more crucial. This article explores the importance of having a brand story, provides insights on building it, and consciously highlights successful examples. The Importance of a Brand Story: Connect with Consumers on a Deeper Level: The Art of Conscious Brand Storytelling in Fashion requires a well-crafted brand story that resonates emotionally, helping consumers connect with the brand beyond just its products. It establishes a sense of identity, making the brand more relatable. Communicate Values and Ethics: Consciously, consumers are increasingly seeking brands that align with their values. A brand story is a powerful tool to communicate a commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility. Differentiate in a Saturated Market: With numerous fashion brands competing for attention, a unique brand story sets a brand apart. It becomes a distinctive factor that helps stand out in a crowded market. Here's How to Build a Compelling Brand Story: Origin Story: Share the story of your brand's inception. What inspired its founders? What challenges were overcome? Humanize the brand by showcasing the passion and dedication behind its creation. Values and Mission: (grab your free worksheet here) Clearly articulate your brand's values and mission. Explain how these principles guide your business decisions. Know Your Audience: Understand your target audience and tailor your story to resonate with their aspirations, values, and lifestyles. Highlight Milestones and Achievements: Share your brand's journey, celebrating milestones, achievements, and challenges overcome. This adds authenticity to your story. Incorporate Human Elements: Integrate personal anecdotes, team stories, and customer testimonials to add a human touch. This fosters a sense of community. Sustainability Initiatives: Detail your commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Showcase tangible efforts and achievements in this domain. Create a Consistent Brand Persona: Define the personality of your brand. Is it playful, sophisticated, or rebellious? Maintain consistency in tone, visuals, and messaging across all communication channels. Incorporate Customer Perspectives: Gather customer testimonials and stories. Incorporate these real-life experiences into your narrative to create a relatable and authentic connection with your audience. Engage in Collaborations and Partnerships: Showcase collaborations and partnerships that align with your brand values. Whether it's working with NGOs, artists, or other brands, these collaborations add depth to your narrative. Utilize Visual Storytelling: Leverage the power of visuals, especially on social media. Invest in high-quality imagery that reflects your brand's aesthetic and resonates with your audience. Develop a Content Calendar: Plan your storytelling content in advance. This includes regular updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and thematic campaigns that align with your brand narrative. Embrace Transparency: Be transparent about your business practices. Share insights into your supply chain, production processes, and any challenges. Transparency builds trust. Iterate Based on Feedback: Actively seek and listen to feedback from your audience. Use this feedback to iterate and refine your brand story, ensuring that it continues to resonate and evolve. Implement Your Brand Story Across Channels: Website: Feature an engaging 'About Us' page on your website. Use blog posts and articles to dive deeper into specific aspects of your narrative, creating a central hub for your brand story. Email Campaigns: Incorporate elements of your brand story into email campaigns. Share updates, milestones, and behind-the-scenes stories to keep your audience engaged and connected. In-Store Experience: For brands with physical stores, ensure that the in-store experience aligns with your brand story. Use signage, displays, and staff interactions to reinforce the narrative. Engage in PR and Media: Leverage press releases, interviews, and media coverage to share your brand story with a broader audience. Maintain a consistent message in interactions with journalists. Podcasts and Webinars: Participate in or host podcasts and webinars to verbally communicate your brand story. This provides an opportunity to share insights, discuss values, and connect with audiences authentically. Here are Examples of Successful Fashion Brand Stories: Patagonia: Known for its commitment to environmental activism, Patagonia's brand story revolves around its dedication to sustainable practices and advocacy for the planet. Eileen Fisher: Eileen Fisher's story emphasizes simplicity, sustainability, and timeless design. The brand is transparent about its efforts to minimize environmental impact. Stella McCartney: Stella McCartney's brand story aligns with her cruelty-free and sustainable fashion values. The narrative emphasizes ethical practices and innovation. Nike: Nike's brand story transcends athletic wear. It focuses on empowerment, determination, and the pursuit of greatness. The brand's inspirational stories and athlete collaborations resonate across diverse audiences. Warby Parker: Warby Parker's story revolves around providing affordable, stylish eyewear while committing to social responsibility. The brand's "Buy a Pair, Give a Pair" program is a testament to its values. Everlane: Everlane's transparent pricing model and commitment to ethical production are central to its brand story. The company shares detailed information about its factories and production processes, fostering consumer trust. Crafting a compelling brand story is an ongoing process that requires research, introspection, and a deep understanding of your audience. By defining core values, sharing authentic stories, and engaging with your audience through various channels, your brand can create a narrative that stands out in the conscious fashion landscape and forms a meaningful connection with consumers. Remember, a well-crafted brand story is not just a narrative; it's an invitation for your audience to participate in something meaningful and impactful. Thanks for reading today!  Have other suggestions or questions?  Reach out to let us know design@insidefashiondesign.net Know someone who would like this article?  Please share! Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the know and see all our featured makers, along with industry insights & inspirations!

Are you continuing to grow in your career? Are you stuck, stagnant, feeling too comfy?? Time to push forward! Not only will your brain thank you, but will also your boost your mood, your career and your relationships! Fashion is an ever-evolving industry where creativity, innovation, and adaptability are essential for success. As a fashion designer, it's crucial to continuously evolve and stay ahead of the curve to thrive in this competitive landscape. In this blog post, we'll explore the Top 10 Ways to Evolve as a Fashion Designer: Key Strategies for Growth Top 10 Ways to Evolve as a Fashion Designer: 1. Stay Inspired: Creativity is the lifeblood of fashion design. To keep evolving, it's essential to stay inspired. Explore different avenues of inspiration through travel, art, nature, or everyday life experiences. Attend fashion shows, exhibitions, and cultural events to keep your creative juices flowing. Surround yourself with diverse influences to fuel your imagination and spark new ideas. 2. Embrace Continuous Learning: Fashion is a dynamic industry with trends constantly shifting. To stay relevant, embrace continuous learning. Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and techniques in fashion design. Invest in online courses or enroll in fashion design programs to enhance your skills and broaden your knowledge base. Embracing lifelong learning will keep you adaptable and equipped to tackle new challenges in the industry. See our online design course offerings here 3. Experiment and Take Risks: Feel free to step out of your comfort zone and experiment with new styles, materials, and techniques. Fashion is all about innovation, and taking calculated risks can set you apart as a visionary designer. Push the boundaries of conventional design and strive to create unique, statement-making pieces that captivate audiences. Embracing experimentation fosters growth and allows you to discover your signature aesthetic as a designer. 4. Keep your Values, Mission and Purpose front and center: If you have these defined, fantastic! If it's been awhile or you havent fully defined, allow yourself an afternoon to get them on paper. Writing them down solidifies it in your brain- "The act of writing things down in a notebook or a journal involves more cognitive activity than typing it out on a keyboard or on a screen. This means that more areas of the brain are activated and they are activated more intensely as we write compared to when we type. We probably can’t write our way to a genius-level IQ even if we try, but there’s certainly no harm in opting for activities that offer more robust brain stimulation whenever possible. It will keep us sharp and will help prevent cognitive decline down the line." From: Stringandspace.com. Need proof? Check out this article, "9 Reasons Why You Should Be Writing Things Down" which gives a strong nudge to incorporate the habit of writing things down! Our tools for writing and recording your Values, Mission and Big Why: Define your Values, or revisit your values as they are a guiding light to all your decisions, in our handy workbook: Define or reevaluate your Big WHY: Discover your purpose that will motivate you through all the ups and downs. When you have a WHY, you have a purpose, a North Star to aim for- when things get tough, looking at your North Star will empower you to keep moving forward. Check out our workbook to get your WHY defined, written down and incorporated into your journey Revisit your Mission: at least once a. year sit down to see if this still resonates with you- do you need to refresh it? Change course? Whether working for a company or your own brand, keeping the mission of your business at the forefront will keep you striving towards achieving it. 5. Cultivate a Strong Personal Brand: Building a solid personal brand is crucial for success as a fashion designer in today's digital age. Use social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to showcase your work, behind-the-scenes process, and creative vision. Engage with your audience, collaborate with influencers, and participate in online communities to expand your reach and grow your brand presence. A solid personal brand establishes your credibility and attracts opportunities for collaborations, partnerships, and brand endorsements. 6. Network and Collaborate: Networking is fundamental in the fashion industry. Build relationships with fellow designers, stylists, photographers, models, and industry insiders. Attend fashion events, industry mixers, and networking parties to connect with like-minded professionals and potential collaborators. Collaborating with other creatives can offer fresh perspectives, inspire new ideas, and open doors to exciting opportunities. Cultivating a strong network is invaluable for career growth and staying connected within the fashion community. Check out our Global Calendar of Industry events here 7. Stay True to Your Vision: Amidst the fast-paced nature of the fashion industry, it's essential to stay true to your unique vision and design philosophy. Develop a distinctive style that reflects your personality and resonates with your target audience. While staying informed about industry trends is essential, avoid compromising your artistic integrity for fleeting fads. Focus on creating timeless pieces that embody your brand identity and resonate with your clientele on a deeper level. And if youre feeling unsure of your vision use our workbook tools to help you, and check out this article from Linkedin: How to Craft a Powerful Personal Vision Statement by EPR Global 8. Stay Curious: Beyond fashion inspiration, stay curious to the world around you. Keep your eyes open for things that spark your curiousostiy, whether its a new music artist, a new technology, travels in a new city- all of these experiences play into your growth as a person and can spark new ideas with new information. Trying something different, such as a cooking class, a voice lesson, or pickleball, stimulates the brain and produces Why Trying Something New is Good For You "Our brain reacts to new stimuli by releasing dopamine, and the midbrain area is activated which strengthens long-term memory and learning. So, not only is trying something new fun, but it can actually help strengthen your brain in the process." From Onearden.com 9. Talk to your boss about taking on more responsibility. Explain you are wanting to learn & grow. Ask for feedback, where you can improve, ways to get more involved in areas you could learn more- spend some time learning from your co-workers, even if not within your job descriptions. One of the best ways to learn, for free, is to learn other areas of the work process that your co-workers manage. Free education!! 10. Push yourself out of your comfort zone: Challenge yourself to do one scary thing a week or a month- what scares you or makes you uncomfortable but you know by doing it would provide benefits to your personal and professional growth? "Being a leader is sometimes frightening. There's often something out of control--out of your scope, out of your realm. If you're constantly fighting these things, you can't change. You're not only fighting a losing battle, you're also subverting your own growth. But by taking on the challenge of doing one thing that scares you every day, you can create opportunities and reach new achievements." From Inc.com Evolving as a fashion designer is an ongoing journey that requires passion, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt. By staying inspired, embracing continuous learning, experimenting, cultivating a solid personal brand, networking, and staying true to your vision, you can position yourself for long-term success in the ever-evolving world of fashion design. Keep pushing boundaries, challenging conventions, and expressing your creativity to leave a lasting impact on the industry. Not only will you find more success, you will find more joy in your life journey, affecting and inspiring all those around you.

The fashion industry is continuosly evolving and must keep striving towards better, greener methods. The industry has always responded to consumer behavior, ultimately leading to the rise of fast fashion. But today's consumers are starting to step back and look at the environmental impact of their behavior. That's where conscious fashion comes in and why you must learn Conscious Fashion Design and implement these key steps into your work and business practices. While it's not a new niche, conscious fashion is rising as consumers look for an antidote to fast fashion. This more ethical approach to fashion promotes sustainable manufacturing that minimizes the impact on the plant. Conscious fashion strives to achieve a carbon-neutral industry, from fabric sourcing to designing and delivery. Whether you are currently a student, and entrepreneur or working in the industry, you can make a difference by learning how to design and develop product consciously. This eco-conscious and ethical way of making product must become a priority as we consider the health & future of people and the planet. Now is the time to implement change, whether sustainable fashion is your passion or you want to pivot your brand to become eco-friendly. So how can you Learn Conscious Fashion Design? What is Conscious Design? Conscious design – also known as 'eco-friendly fashion' and 'slow fashion'– focuses on making clothes with as minimal impact on the environment as possible. These designs strive to be carbon-neutral with ethical manufacturing. There are many ways that a brand can implement conscious design fairly easily, including: Upcycling waste materials and products to use in your products, such as fishing nets, and fabric scraps and found trims. Hand making or producing collections in small batches and made to order to minimize waste. Ignoring here-today-gone-tomorrow trends, instead developing a brand identity with timeless quality designs. Using organic fabrics and materials that are naturally biodegradable. Offering buy-back and exchange programs for customers to recycle older pieces instead of sending them to landfill. Conscious fashion is about more than just the design process. It also considers the people and communities involved and impacted by the fashion industry. These brands aim to promote ethical fashion, including looking at the full life cycle, paying garment workers a living wage and safe working conditions. Many slow fashion brands work to receive a fair-trade certification and other environmental classifications. Why Should Fashion Designers Care About Conscious Design? Fashion designers should care about conscious design as it is vital for our planet's future. Clothing production accounts for 10% of carbon emissions and almost 20% of wastewater. The industry uses more energy than both the aviation and shipping sectors combined. Organizations like the United Nations, who has stepped in to promote a shift to sustainable fashion to combat climate change. It takes 10,000 liters of water to grow one kilo of cotton, the average needed to make one pair of denim jeans. By comparison, it takes one person ten years to drink the same amount of water. Only 3% of the world's water is freshwater, with over 1.1 billion people needing access to water. The fashion industry is actively polluting our rivers, contributing to water scarcity, and is a significant player in greenhouse gas emissions. Many fast fashion garments also shed microplastics while being washed, which inevitably end up in our oceans. The need to switch from fast to slow fashion is evident when you look at what's happening in landfills. 85% of textiles end up in landfills or are incinerated. Most of these garments will have never been worn. Every 16 seconds, clothing equivalent to the height of the Eiffel Tower is thrown into landfills. Circular fashion presents us with an opportunity to change this. Conscious fashion designers and their company teams are at the forefront of the opportunity for an environmental revolution. The Future of Conscious Fashion The future of conscious fashion looks bright, thanks to Gen Z and millennials ready to talk with their wallets. As young generations, naturally more eco-conscious, become financially stable, they increasingly support sustainable brands over fast fashion. Consumers are actively looking for brands that reflect their values, including those that pay a fair wage, have low water usage, and use organic materials. Fashion designers who want to attract private investment can leverage demand for conscious fashion to secure investment from like-minded investors and portfolio funds. This is a largely untapped market, as research shows traditional brands need to catch up consumers' sustainability expectations. Gen Z and millennials have an increased influence on older generations, with research showing a 25% increase in Gen X consumers shopping for sustainable brands. The demographic also saw a 42% increase in those willing to pay more for sustainable products. By 2030, Gen Z will represent almost 30% of the world's income, making them a significant player in the fashion industry. Brands and designers who tap into conscious fashion early can get ahead of the game and build their brand identity as a slow fashion label. Tips to become a conscious design industry pro As a conscious fashion designer, you'll need to think beyond just aesthetics and consider the impact of your designs on the environment, society, and the people involved in the production process. Here are some tips to help you build a successful career, business and products as a conscious fashion design industry pro: Educate yourself: Research about sustainable fashion practices, materials, and techniques. Read up on the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry and learn about the alternatives to fast fashion. Design Consciously: Use eco-friendly materials, natural dyes, and recyclable fabrics to create your designs. Consider designing timeless pieces that can be worn for many years, as opposed to trends that go out of style quickly. Be transparent: Share information about your production processes, materials, and suppliers with your customers. This will help build trust and loyalty with them, knowing that you are doing your best to create sustainable and ethical products. Read about Fashion Transparency from Fashion Revolution Collaborate with other conscious designers: Build a community of like-minded designers who share your values and collaborate with them to create a more sustainable fashion industry. Learn about successful collaborations here Stay up-to-date with industry trends: Follow sustainable fashion blogs, attend industry events, and keep up-to-date with the latest sustainable fashion news. This will help you stay informed about new trends and innovations in sustainable fashion. Practice responsible business practices: Use renewable energy, minimize waste, and reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible. Also, treat your employees fairly and ensure that they are working under safe and ethical conditions. Spread awareness: Use your platform as a fashion pro to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable fashion and the impact of the fashion industry on the environment and society. Join The Ultimate Fashion Design & Development Roadmap Course: A Master Class on Navigating the Fashion Design Process and Achieving Conscious Design. In this one of a kind design course, you will work through a comprehensive process, from business start up, to defining your brands vision and purpose, to financing, to design and development of products to production, branding, joining the mastermind group and more. What is the Ultimate Design and Development Roadmap course? Who is it for and what will you learn? In this live 3-month online course, you will navigate the fashion design process to create work with purpose that leads to positive impact with industry experts. We've curated this course with small and independent designers in mind, helping you achieve your personal and professional goals while finding your voice in the competitive fashion industry. To master Conscious Fashion Design, this course is structured as a 10-module roadmap, breaking down in nitty gritty detail. We'll help you understand the industry's current problems, teach you how to set up a sustainable fashion business, and navigate the design process from concept to consumer.  This course includes the actual design and development process, but is so much more than that. We will walk you through setting your values, build a business foundation, including how to finance and become investor ready, sourcing and working with ethical makers. Together with your industry expert guides & fellow students, you will build your processes, products and business and celebrate your work along with fellow students at your "graduation" party. The course comprises 10 segments: Understanding the fashion industry and its impact Identifying personal values and beliefs for conscious fashion design Setting up a sustainable fashion business Building a circularity model for fashion Implementing conscious design principles in fashion Navigating the fashion design and development process: from concept to consumer (see our D&D Roadmap checklist here) Research and incorporating sustainable materials and processes Sourcing for production and working with ethical manufacturers Establishing a conscious fashion brand identity Becoming investor ready for a conscious fashion brand Why You Should Join The Ultimate Design and Development Roadmap Course: Ultimate Design and Development Roadmap course isn't your typical online course such as "6 months to launch your fashion line". This course is taught by instructors from top design schools & prestigious brands, giving you access to years of expert knowledge and experience, along with a wealth of resources from our design hub, not to mention expanding your network with these industry pros. In addition to your course material, you'll get access to: The IFD Conscious Fashion Academy video library with the recorded sustainable and ethical fashion lessons. 22 Sessions of Live classes with interactive Q&A sessions led by mentors and industry leaders offering personalized career advice. Our community platform as an IFD insider connects you with other like-minded fashion professionals on the same journey as you. Support from the IFD team through email and one-on-one consulting session to help you implement what you learn during your 3-month course. The Conscious Fashion Library, an extensive resource hub designed to give you the tools and knowledge to excel in the fashion industry while remaining true to your values. Plus Bonuses!!!:  Certification, opportunity to present your work & share your brand story, and a "Brand Bible" of your own to guide you through your future products and processes This online course is designed for anyone interested in conscious fashion design, whether you're an established designer looking to pivot into the niche or a first-time designer starting your journey. There's no needed prior knowledge and we will provide additional resources needed to guide you along the course. We are looking for Beta-testers!! For our inaugural course starting the end of February, we're offering an exclusive discount rate for beta testers to try our course before it's provided to the public. Once our beta testing program closes, the cost will increase and will remain as the regularly priced course. Request info today for a chance to get a free $500 Course Add-On. You'll qualify for our 'fast action bonus':  You'll get our $500 'One on One Fashion Mentor session' for free as part of your online course. You'll also qualify to be featured on Inside Fashion Design, allowing you to promote your brand, services and story. Qualifying students will also get a lifetime membership to the 'Conscious Fashion Design Master Minds program. FAQs about the 'The Ultimate Fashion Design & Development Roadmap Course: A Master Class on Navigating the Fashion Design Process and Achieving Conscious Design' Who is the course designed for? The course is designed for small fashion designers, to industry professionals interested in sustainable and conscious design. It provides a roadmap for developing your business, designing product and marketing a sustainable fashion brand including sourcing eco-friendly materials and implementing conscious design principles. What is covered in the online course? This program is a 3-month online course that covers 10 modules/22 sessions. You'll also get access to a wealth of knowledge, resources, and industry experts during your course. This roadmap-style course covers everything from understanding the fashion industry's environmental impact to creating a conscious fashion brand identity and working with ethical manufacturers. Check out our infographic above How can I become a beta tester for the 'The Ultimate Fashion Design & Development Roadmap Course: A Master Class on Navigating the Fashion Design Process and Achieving Conscious Design Course? Click the link below to receive more information. As a beta tester, you'll help us fine-tune our conscious fashion design course before it hits the public market. We'll use your feedback for this and future Inside Fashion Design courses. Our beta testing program is only open for a limited time, with applications considered on a first-come-first-served basis. The next step in your fashion career starts here! Want a Free Conscious Fashion Design & Development Checklist? Request here and we will send you a link! Thanks for reading today and caring about Conscious Fashion Design! Have questions? Inquires? Interesting in collaborations and story sharing? Send a note: design@insidefashiondesign.net

In the fashion industry, lab dips are small samples of fabric that are dyed to match a specific color. They are usually created by a textile supplier or manufacturer and sent to the designer for approval before the final fabric is produced. Read on for Fabric Lab Dips and Strike offs explained. Lab Dips Explained: A lab dip can be used to confirm the color accuracy of a fabric before it is produced in bulk. It can also help the designer visualize how the color will appear in the final product and make any necessary adjustments. Creating a lab dip involves following a specific recipe for dyeing the fabric, including the dye concentration, temperature, and time of the dyeing process. The lab dip is then sent to the designer or manufacturer for approval. This may take a few iterations, then once the color is approved, the final fabric is produced using the same recipe as the lab dip. Lab dips are an important part of the production process for fashion designers and textile manufacturers, as they ensure that the final product meets the desired color specifications. I love this article from Kristen Anderson, further explaining Color Standards, Lab Dips, and Why You Need Both! Here is even more in-depth article filled with great information: Lab Dips in the Garment Manufacturing Industry: A Comprehensive Guide by Naim Islam for TimeofTextiles.com When working in fashion design & development, chances are you will encounter the lab dip approval process. Here is your guide to Mastering Fabric Lab Dip Approval; A Comprehensive Guide for Fashion Designers: As a fashion designer, one of the crucial stages in the production process is approving fabric lab dips. These lab dips serve as prototypes for the fabric that will be used in your designs, and ensuring their accuracy is paramount to maintaining the integrity of your vision. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to effectively check and approve fabric lab dips: Step 1: Thorough Color Comparison The first step in approving fabric lab dips is to compare them against your color standard. This standard could be a Pantone reference or a physical swatch you provided to your factory for color matching. Whether you're using a lightbox or natural/indoor lighting, checking the lab dips under various lighting conditions is essential, as colors can appear differently. Hold each lab dip next to your color standard and compare them meticulously, setting aside any apparent mismatches. Compare the remaining dips with your standard until you identify the closest match. I also find it very important and helpful to keep your entire color palette in front of you. Not only does each color matter, but it also matters how they sit within the entire color range. Your solids needs to work together as they will be used together in merchandising, in prints, and for a customer combining pieces within their wardrobe that work together. Step 2: Detailed Evaluation and Feedback Once you've selected the closest match, it's time to provide feedback to the factory. When giving feedback, describe the lab dip's color, saturation, value, and intensity clearly. For instance: "Lab Dip 1 is the closest match, but it appears slightly too yellow and dull." Avoid using vague terms and strive to be as specific as possible to avoid misinterpretation. Step 3: Organized Communication Sending feedback in a clear and organized manner is crucial to avoid confusion and streamline the approval process. Instead of burying your comments in the body of an email, use a structured chart or template to document your feedback. This ensures that you and the factory can easily reference and track the comments throughout production. Bonus Tips for Success: Timing Matters: Avoid evaluating lab dips at the end of the day when your eyes are fatigued. Optimal lighting conditions and a fresh perspective in the morning can lead to more accurate assessments. Precision Over Percentages: Instead of using vague percentages ("10% more yellow"), provide descriptive feedback to convey your expectations clearly. Prioritize Feedback: Limit the number of issues you address in each round of feedback to avoid overwhelming the factory. Focusing on the most critical issues ensures better results. Consider the Big Picture: Remember that slight color variations are normal in production. Consider how the approved lab dip aligns with the overall color palette of your collection and its consistency across different fabric types. Lighting Considerations: Consider how lighting conditions affect color perception, especially with greens. Learn from past experiences and ensure thorough testing under various lighting environments. By following these steps and implementing the bonus tips, you can streamline the fabric lab dip approval process, ensuring accurate color representation and maintaining the quality of their designs from concept to production. Effective communication and attention to detail are crucial to achieving success in this critical aspect of the design process. For more understanding, here is a great article from a printing company Mereton Textiles based in Australia: 3 Reasons Fabric Colours Can Print Differently and How We’re Changing That What are Strike offs? Strike offs Explained: In the fashion industry, a strike off is a sample of a fabric print that is produced for approval before the final fabric is printed. First you will be selecting your artwork, either from a print studio where you purchase the artwork, or a textile artist that you may have in-house or as a free-lancer. The artwork has to be prepped, meaning you have to provide the colors within the print, create a schematic including color positions and scale. This is passed on to the factory or printing partner. The textile print strike off is then created by a textile supplier or manufacturer and sent to the designer or brand for approval. It is typically a small swatch of fabric that shows the print design and colors in the correct scale and repeat pattern. The strike off allows the designer to see how the print will look on the final fabric before it is produced in bulk. The strike off process involves creating a print design and transferring it onto a sample fabric using the chosen printing technique. This can include digital printing, screen printing, or block printing. The sample fabric is then sent to the designer for approval. *When reviewing your strike offs, it is crucial you are comparing them to your solid lab dips- printed color and dyed colors will vary, but you can expect to get your prints and solids to the best possible match so that again, they can be merchandised together, presented cohesively & worn together by the consumer. This may take a few iterations again- my rule of thumb is no more than 3 iterations- once you get past 3, you are either being not clear enough in your comments to the supplier, or perhaps being too picky. Yes there are occasions where a color or layout may be more difficult to achieve, but you have to take into consideration why it may not be working and adjust accordingly. Good suppliers will work with you to achieve and their expertise should be respected. Making comments for more and more updates will hinder your process, your timeline and your reputation as a designer. Once the strike off is approved, the final fabric is printed using the same printing technique and color specifications as the strike off. The strike off process is important for ensuring that the final printed fabric meets the designer's vision and quality standards. Overall, strike offs are an essential part of the textile printing process and help designers and brands to create high-quality and visually appealing fabrics for their collections. Have more questions or requests on specific steps in the process? Let us know! We are here to provide knowledge and design how tos to help you in your creative journey! Send a comment, request or suggestions here: design@insidefashiondesign.net To learn more Design How Tos: Subscribe to our newsletter to not miss any new How Tos! Stay tuned for How To Set Up print artwork, along with templates for submitting to a printer or manufacturer & print studios we love! Know someone who would like this article?  Please share! 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