While I was meant to be Christmas shopping in December I came across this Mimco tote, I thought it was really cute and different. It wasn’t until I looked at the back of it that I learnt about it’s beautiful creation and knew I wanted to support it.
Mimco have partnered up with the Ethical Fashion Initiative to make a beautiful African inspired collection. The Ethical Fashion Initiative is a part of the United Nations International Trade Centre where their aim is to connect artisans from the developing world with fashion designers to create ethical and sustainable collaborations that change the lives of women in Africa.
These women earn a living wage while working in safe and dignified conditions that minimises the impact on the environment. Their slogan is ‘Not Charity, Just Work’ and I think this is a really powerful message. Every time you buy something you are supporting it all the way back to how it was first sourced and produced, if we focus as much on this as we do on charity we are giving these women real opportunity to have fair ongoing work to have a long term effect on thier families and communites.
This is what is printed on the back of my bag, and all items from this collection. My bag was not made by machinery; it was hand made by women living in their local areas who have not been mistreated in work conditions or pay. It makes me smile from the inside out every time I see it.
"Through work, the artisans are able to take control of their lives and change them for the better. This result is priceless." Simone Cipriani Founder of Ethical Fashion Initiative
Check out this video of the production of the Mimco X Ethical Fashion Initiative Collaboration:
Such a beautiful thing to see and I can’t wait to see who else will choose to collaborate with great programs like the Ethical Fashion Initiative.
xx AK