Xx Lisa, co-founder of Cornelia Sun Collective
#whitemonday #changetheworldwithstyle #circularfashion
Let's trust the magic of new beginnings.
From one sister to another.
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A day to raise awareness and take action to end violence against women and girls. Violence against women and girls remains the most pervasive human rights violation around the world. Already heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, its prevalence is now being further increased by the intersecting crises of climate change, global conflict and economic instability.
Orange Day calls upon activists, governments, and UN partners to mobilize people and highlight issues relevant to preventing and ending violence against women and girls, not only once a year on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, but every month.
To us, this is vital. Women's rights are human rights.
As a bright and optimistic colour, orange represents a future free from violence against women and girls. In order to show our support and to highlight this important topic we run an auction via Tradera (ends Nov 27).
We chose a reversible jacket which is black/white on one side and orange on the other. One-of-a-kind, oversized and made with lots of love in up-cycled textiles previously worn by a global sister as a sari. According to us, the symbolic of this particular piece is that you always can 'orange the world', even the days when it happens on the inside.
So, go bid on this beauty via Tradera CLICK HERE and be the change you wish to see.
All money is donated to UN Women Sweden and their work to end violence against women and girls.
Together we’ll not only make history,
but make her story matter.
From one sister to another.
A COLLABORATION IN ORDER TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Gender equality is not just a women’s issue – it is a human rights issue. 1 in 3 women worldwide experience violence during their lifetime. Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation, and the immediate and long-term physical, sexual, and mental consequences for women and girls can be devastating, including death. All human life benefits when women’s human rights are upheld, and we all suffer when those rights are abused. To truly change the world we need to stand together.
UN Women Sweden is the organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
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So, let´s colorize this grey month ahead by wearing orange (or other colors) but also by raising our voices and showing our support for our global sisters all round the globe. Let your wardrobe transform you into the change maker you truly are and discover what we share is more powerful than what divides us We know you have the power to change the world with style – from one sister to another.
xx Lisa and Julia
co-founders of Cornelia Sun Collective
Earth without ’art’ is just ’eh’ and this is something the talented artist Hanna definitely braid into her life in such a beautiful way. This changemaker was born in Tokyo and she is now based in our hometown Gävle where her paintings contain glimpses of her universe. Through her company Senses Art Hanna call herself Sachiko Eklöf, the name she was given as a child. Sachiko means child of happiness and Hanna’s intention is to create art that can help you find your way back home to joy. We absolutely adore this woman and her ability to bring beauty in to other people lives. Diving into her world is truly a colorful journey filled with light. There is so much healing power embodied in her spirit and the footprint she leaves behind. We are forever grateful that Hanna’s heart beats a little extra for sustainability and just like her we do believe we evolve when we connect with others who care for our planet, but also other people. Meet Hanna Nordgren Sachiko Eklöf – and find out why her story matters.
What makes your heart sing?
Oh, there are so many things that make my heart sing! Laughter in general, for example, and when I dance in a way that feels good from top to toe. My heart also sings a little extra while I sit in meditation and when I feel in tune with other living beings. When conversations become deep and genuine I awake my soul and when I do something I haven't done before I also rise from within. My heart loves painting and when I am able to express myself through different forms of creativity. It also sings out load when I receive or give healing. Hugs are another key to joy and I also feel so much love when I see other people listening to their inner voice. My heart sings along also when I'm in water and when the moon and stars shine brightly in the sky. Walking barefoot in the grass or on sand is also a way to put the record on and moments when I am leaning into nature I do feel blessed. I guess my heart sings the most when I’m able to just be present with the now.
Sustainability is something that is widely discussed in all types of contexts and especially when it comes to fashion. How do you define sustainability in your wardrobe?
According to me, sustainable fashion is making conscious choices before we buy clothes. I usually choose to buy second-hand, either in boutique or pre-loved garments from friends. A sustainable production is not only about material but includes human rights which leads to a reduced impact on our beloved earth and less suffering for our next generation. To me, it is not only important that the clothes I buy is consciously made and last long, but also that the garment has a deeper purpose.
All of our creations come with history lived by women in Nepal who previously carried these textiles as traditional saris. Her story is now in your hands and you’re about to write next chapter. What will it be about?
I use my Cornelia Sun robes almost every day. To me these garments are versatile and there isn't really any occasion where I would not choose to use my beautiful pieces of art. I wear them on the beach, when I do yoga or exercise and I also stroll around at home. These creations can make any outfit pop and they dress me up for events, dinners and other kind of parties. Just like all humans, each piece is unique in its kind and to me that feels so special and beautiful.
My next chapter atm will be a lot about sharing. I am happy and grateful for this vernissage I am taking part in this up coming week at Little Art Cakery in Gävle. September 18th I’m about to opening an exhibition at Forsbacka Herrgård together with one of my soul sisters. I am also about to launch affirmation- and healing cards in order to guide you back to your heart. I love the idea that each garment comes with history and that I am now able to continue a global sisters story wearing these prints while sharing my way of expressing my soul through colorful prints and art.
Hanna looking like the goddess she is wearing one of her Cornelia Sun maxi robes.
So, last but not least; Do you have any tips how to walk the talk and become a sustainable changemaker?
Think twice and ask yourself ’Do I really need to buy another dress, skirt, shirt?’. I do think that we often have lots of clothes that we have forgotten and who knows, maybe you will fall back in love with something you already own? Another way to walk the talk is to choose second hand and look for brands that offer recycled and up-cycled solutions. If you still want to go with new productions, buy clothes with good quality that will last over time. Exchange or buy garments from your friends and ask your loved ones for inspiration. Maybe they will find new, exciting ways to match and style what´s already in your wardrobe just by looking at your clohtes with new fresh eyes? And why not asking a child - they do know how to be creative and I am sure it can be lots of fun!
Dive into Senses Art via https://www.instagram.com/senses_arts/ or www.sensesarts.se and go check her vernissage out, September 3-11 in Gävle.
Thank you so much Hanna for being part of our portrait serie ’HERstory matters’. Not only your way of painting is inspiring, but also the way you put words into action in your day-to-day life. Keep on walking your talk and change the world with style.
All our love and light your way
~ from one sister to another.
xx Lisa and Julia, co-founders of Cornelia Sun Collective
RENT
Before internet & music streaming was invented, CD’s were produced and shipped all over the world. Now, more people can listen and no production is needed. Same with housing rental.
The way we work with this is through clothing libraries; rent your clothes instead of just buying. By leasing you can expand your wardrobe in our virtual closet and it is not only better for you but also the environment. Sharing is caring!
REPAIR
When you got a flat tire on your bike, do you repair it or buy a completely new bike? That’s right, repair. Let’s do the same with electronics & clothes as well - and demand repair services from the big players we buy products from.
According to us, repairing and mending doesn´t mean we can´t afford to buy something new – it means we can´t afford something being thrown away. We look at all our garments as friends. Good friends who once in a while need some extra support. Working with up-cycled textiles requires some extra touch. In some instances the stories written by the ones who first worn the fabric may have left some small tracks such as tiny loose threads or tiny stains on the fabric. According to us, this is a beautiful part of the history where your global sister's memories and experiences are embedded in the print. Majority can easily be fixed by a stitch or two. And if not? The sky is the limit when we talk re-design! And do not underestimate zero waste-thinking, just have a look here for example. Use your creativity and give your garments lots of love – the most sustainable closet is the one we already have.
REUSE
Have you heard of marketplaces like Ebay? Or Facebook Marketplace? Their marketplace enables products to be reused.
My sister and I founded this collective in 2014 and since that day we've been working with up-cycled textiles. We reuse fabrics previously worn as traditional saris and re-design these into new pieces of art. Why? Because want to make sure that all that beauty that already exists can have a chance to maintain. Because we know these prints come with stories written by women – stories worth to pay forward. We reuse these textiles because we honor the history and we care for the future. So much good has already been created, why not take care of what's already here? Just have a look into your own wardrobe, we promise you that there are lots of memories embedded in your garments too. Let's bring these stories back to life again by giving these clothes a second chance. When reusing what we already have we can not only save money – but also our planet.
Simply share a photo of yourself, or a group, and share on social media including the hashtag #circularmonday and if you like, use our hashtag #changetheworldwithstyle
Try to connect it to reuse, repair or rent, but feel free to be as creative as you want with the photo! Check out @circularmonday and @corneliasuncollective for inspiration.
WANT TO DIVE INTO OUR SALE?
Go to our Instagram and find your favorite piece via IG stories >> 50%-75% discount
Starts Monday 22 november #circularweek
(samples and garments with our old logo)
This is just the beginning of a conscious colorful new era and together we can close the loop in fashion - once and for all. We need to start talk about the alternatives to fast fashion (and mass consumption in general) in order to make it easier to make conscious choices.
Keep up the good work, share your thoughts with friends, family and whoever might be listening (puppies are great too!). And above all – take action today – and start to walk your talk.
And no matter what you do or what you don't, make sure to treat your garments as the good friends they are.
ORDER NOW
RECYCLED GOLD
To us is sustainability not only a core value, but a matter of course. Traditional methods of sourcing gold have heavily impacts on our Mama Earth and her people. We want to offer you an alternative and restore all the beauty that already exists. In accordance with this zero waste philosophy we created all our disc pendants in 100% recycled gold, reclaimed from post-consumer waste. Each single piece of art is crafted in 14k solid gold so you can trust it won’t oxidize or tarnish. Wear as often as your heart desire and add this circle of trust into your already vibrating field of energy flow.
HAND-CRAFTED WITH LOVE IN SPAIN
Spain is our second home and we love the beautiful handicrafts made in this inspiring country. Therefore, we decided to let talented jewelry artists in Cordoba, Spain do their magic. We are proud to collaborate with this small scale factory where 8 women and 10 men are transforming recycled gold into pieces of art. These amazing artist work under fair and safe working conditions which regularly are updated via health and safety controls to be fully adapted to the Spanish law. We wish to go visit our co-workers soon, but at the moment it´s not possible due to the pandemic. Stay tuned for updates.
A reminder to stay gold – just the way you are.
❤
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1. Rent: Before internet & music streaming was invented, CD’s were produced and shipped all over the world. Now, more people can listen and no production is needed. Same with housing rental.
The way we work with this is through clothing libraries; rent your clothes instead of just buying. By leasing you can expand your wardrobe in our virtual closet and it is not only better for you but also the environment. We are proud to collaborate with the most awesome leasing partners Sabina and Friends (Stockholm) and here you can find lots of fashionable brands and it is perfect for any occasion – just rent it, rock it and return! Such a great way if sharing, you should all go check them out today.
2. Repair: When you got a flat tire on your bike, do you repair it or buy a completely new bike? That’s right, repair. Let’s do the same with electronics & clothes as well - and demand repair services from the big players we buy products from.
According to us, repairing and mending doesn´t mean we can´t afford to buy something new – it means we can´t afford something being thrown away. We look at all our garments as friends. Good friends who once in a while need some extra support. Working with up-cycled textiles requires some extra touch. In some instances the stories written by the ones who first worn the fabric may have left some small tracks such as tiny loose threads or tiny stains on the fabric. According to us, this is a beautiful part of the history where your global sister's memories and experiences are embedded in the print. Majority can easily be fixed by a stitch or two. And if not? The sky is the limit when we talk re-design! And do not underestimate zero waste-thinking, just have a look here for example. Use your creativity and give your garments lots of love – the most sustainable closet is the one we already have.
3. Reuse: Have you heard of marketplaces like Ebay? Or Facebook Marketplace? Their marketplace enables products to be reused.
My sister and I founded this collective in 2014 and since that day we've been working with up-cycled textiles. We reuse fabrics previously worn as traditional saris and re-design these into new pieces of art. Why? Because want to make sure that all that beauty that already exists can have a chance to maintain. Because we know these prints come with stories written by women – stories worth to pay forward. We reuse these textiles because we honor the history and we care for the future. So much good has already been created, why not take care of what's already here? Just have a look into your own wardrobe, we promise you that there are lots of memories embedded in your garments too. Let's bring these stories back to life again by giving these clothes a second chance. When reusing what we already have we can not only save money – but also our planet.
This is just the beginning of a conscious colorful new era and together we can close the loop in fashion. We need to start talk about the alternatives to fast fashion (and mass consumption in general) in order to make it easier to make conscious choices. Keep up the good work, share your thoughts with friends, family and whoever might be listening (puppies are great too!). And above all – take action today – and start to walk your talk! No matter what you do or what you don't, make sure to treat your garments as the good friends they are ❤
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Meet Nicole – a sustainability specialist who uses both her knowledge and creativity to inspire others to live more conscious. This inspiring free spirit has one of the most beautiful IG accounts and she truly lives the way she learns. Nicole is based up in the mountains in the Northern part of Sweden in a village called Åre and together with some local artists she runs a creative co-working studio called ’Studion’ – a place worth visiting for so many reasons. At the moment Nicole is also about to launch a conscious art club named the North Beyond (coming soon!) and last but not least she is also co-founder of the non-profit partner of our sister organization Wild Heights which we regularly are supporting in Nepal. In other words, this is an incredible source of inspiration and a changemaker delux. Let us introduce you to one of the most inspiring souls we've ever met: This is Nicole Modigh – and her story matters.
Sustainable fashion to me means that we need to look at fashion from a bigger perspective. Fashion is about style and having fun, which is so important! But to me it's also so much more, fashion is a way of voting, it's a way of changing the world. Fashion is an industry affecting both societies, economies, and of course the environment. It’s a privilege that we are actually able to use our style as a voice for the people behind our clothes. We should honor the power we have when we choose our wardrobe and when we dress.
For producers, it’s important to take responsibility for how their business is impacting the world and its workers. It should be a standard to care about these questions and choose to have a positive impact on the people and the planet. Sustainable fashion is also a matter of material/production and new tech VS old vintage. It's a jungle you might think, but remember that the classic “buy less, choose well & make it last” is the way to go. Vintage/remake and avoiding new products is one of the most sustainable choices when it comes to materials, but to make a change in the industry you also have to highlight the effects of production today and support the development of new technologies. For me, It's a combination of awareness about today, innovation, creativity, and vintage love.
It’s a true honor to wear Cornelia Sun, because of so many reasons, a remake, and social empowering production who also creates awareness about today's industry. Everything I stand for and what I believe is the future of fashion. Each Kimono has a unique story to tell by the women, the culture, the industry, and the world - and wearing them makes my daily life the book cover of these stories. The way I act, move, and create will give all these stories a place to shine and create awareness.
My kimonos I wear for all kinds of reasons and for all kinds of moments in life. They empower me in the mornings and helps me set the mood for my day, they also make me feel beautiful and proud when going out, or when I'm nervous about having a lecture for people. They also make my bad days shine because they always bring back so many memories from Nepal, and finally they also tag along on many of my mountain adventures as a shelter from the sun. There are always moments in life when your style can help you find your way, I'm glad Cornelia Sun is there to help me and guide me through.
My next step in life at the moment is that we're hosting a Craft and Art Festival with Studion Åre and I'm releasing my new baby, the platform North & Beyond. Two big things that definitely make my heart race for both passion, excitement, but also stress and nervousness. I can't wait to put on my Cornelia Sun pieces to feel empowered as an unstoppable force for creativity and change.
My best tips for using your style as a tool for sustainable development is to be creative with what you already have, choose with care, or choose nothing at all. Have swapping nights together with your friends, or have a local vintage event where you also exchange tips about creative ways to mend your clothes.
Check out the amazing platform A Sustainable Closet, for tons of inspiration. Also one of my favorite organizations for industry awareness, Fashion Revolution. Lets together create conscious styles and closet, and let's find out Who made my clothes?
Nicole and her creative soul sisters at inspiring Studion – their concept studio for co-creations located in Åre, Sweden.
We are so very grateful for collaborating with this AMAZING lady – we can´t wait to go visit Nicole and her creative soul sisters at Studion in Åre.
You should go there you too and support they the way they support earth. Thank you Nicole for taking part in our serie of stories, we can´t think of a more suitable role model to portrait and we are truly inspired by everything you touch. Together we can truly make a difference, not only for Mama Earth – but for the next generation of changemakers.
Go follow Nicole;
Instagram: @nicolemodigh
www.wildheights.org
www.studionare.com
www.northnbeyond.com
❤
from one sister to another
Lisa & Julia,
sisters and co-founders
Cornelia Sun Collective
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ALL THE PROFITS FROM THE SALES ONLINE JUNE 13 WILL BE DONATED to Gatubarn i Nepal ❤
ENJOY THE FESTIVAL HERE
(goes live 7 pm Saturday June 13)
For alternatives ways to support and to find out what your donation covers CLICK HERE
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"About Race" Reni Eddo-Lodge
"Raseriet" (Amie & Fanna)
AND FOR THE LITTLE ONES WITH FUTURE GREAT IMPACT....
We know it is time to speak up, but for the rest ot this week we will remain silent on IG to be able to truly listening and let the important voices being heard in our BIPOC community. Meanwhile, we encourage you to do the work with us and keep your foot on the gas.
Unlearn. Relearn. Show up, do better. Dare to care. This is a first step to become more active and informed.
We understand that we will never understand – however, we stand.
# b l a c k l i v e s m a t t e r
(a friendly reminder: don´t use this hashtag in social media since it blocks important messages)
hope is being sent, change is coming – with compassion
❤
Fashion Revolution Week is our #whomademyclothes campaign in April, which falls on the anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse, which killed 1138 people and injured many more on 24th April 2013. That is the day Fashion Revolution was born. During this week, brands and producers are encouraged to respond with the hashtag #imadeyourclothes and to demonstrate transparency in their supply chain.
Fashion Revolution strives to be action-oriented and solution focused. Rather than making people feel guilty, we help them recognize that they have the power to do something to make a positive change. To us, style is knowing that the hands who made our clothes are happy hands and therefore is also transparency an important piece in our work with sustainability.
Our garments are still designed by us in Sweden but since 2014 proudly produced by small family-run businesses in Kathmandu, Nepal. Meet the amazing people behind our clothes and don´t hesitate to contact us personally if you have any further questions.
Sustainable fashion is something that is widely discussed in all types of contexts and especially when it comes to fashion.
What are your thoughts about this and how do you define sustainability in your closet?
December 1 Cornelia Sun Collective join the non-profit pop-up shop called Style it Forward, at Berns in Stockholm.
All profits go to support women in Africa, Asia and Latin America via The Hunger Project – learn more about their beautiful work HERE
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In Swedish
1 December är vi återigen med på Berns i Stockholm och
förändrar världen med stil tillsammans med dessa andra modemärken!
Kom och fynda våra unika one-of-a-kind plagg i popup-butiken Style it Forward; eventet arrangeras av Hungerprojektet som arbetar för att avskaffa hunger genom att skapa banbrytande, hållbara utvecklingsstrategier på gräsrotsnivå med kvinnor i fokus.
My sister and I founded this collective in 2014 and since that day we've been working with up-cycled textiles. We reuse fabrics previously worn as traditional saris and re-design these into new pieces of art. Why? Because want to make sure that all that beauty that already exists can have a chance to maintain. Because we know these prints come with stories written by women – stories worth to pay forward. We reuse these textiles because we honor the history and we care for the future. So much good has already been created, why not take care of what's already here? Just have a look into your own wardrobe, we promise you that there are lots of memories embedded in your garments too. Let's bring these stories back to life again by giving these clothes a second chance. When reusing what we already have we can not only save money – but also our planet ❤
↓
Thank you so much Fia for sharing your story
– together we change the world with style
xx Lisa and Julia, sisters and co-founders
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Lisa, co-founder
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Wow! We feel so happy about this and it feels so incredible good that such a established business network has noticed our work with sustainable fashion and the difference our smale scale business actually do for the whole industry. It truly shows that you never are too small to make a change. Thank you Företagarna! We're super grateful for the nomination and publicity – this gave us some new energy to create more magic ❤
Wise word and according to us, the truth. There is nothing stronger. We are blessed with many of your stories about women coming together and we feel so happy when you share these moments with us. It is also such a blessing to hear that you feel empowered by wearing your kimono. That deeper connection that remind us that we're in this together is much more present when you dress up in your global sisters memories which lay within these threads. One story in particular has truly stolen our hearts and we're forever grateful to find that our kimonos are involved. It is a story about loosing the one you love – and finding her spirit through the joy of being and belonging. This post is a tribute to the ladies behind this initiativ, and a salutation to Eva, who still lives in every single dance.
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In the end of last year a woman named Tina contacted us. She told us that she fell in love with our collective at an event in 2016, called Magic in Motion (a beautiful gathering where we back then had a pop-up shop). Back then Tina bought her first kimono and since that day she decided to dress up for change. And she did – to say the least.
In May 2018 Tina started a dance collective called 'Eva's Angels' together with 11 other women. These women did this as a tribute to their beloved friend Eva who passed away in cancer after fighting against the disease for 7 years. Eva is described as this sparkling, positive ray of sunshine who always chose to live life fully. She was a true inspiration and that particular friend you wanted to be around. Tina and her soul sisters founded this platform in the memory of their dear heroine Eva in order to honor her and to celebrate her spirit.
Through the dance sessions could these women learn to deal with their grief and they find a safe space where their bodies were able to move through the pain. Tina and her friends got help from a dance teacher named Johanna who took them on a journey where they were introduced to different kind of dance styles. This made these ladies move out of their comfort zone and while dancing they felt confidence. This dance community suddenly turned out to be something much bigger than just a platform for movements – it started to literally save lives.
The front of the calendar 'Evas Angels' – all these changemakers in
Cornelia Sun kimonos. We feel so blessed and honored ❤
Tina and her friends decided to share their experiences with the world. And they wanted to make sure they did everything they could to help others who have fall victim to cancer. With this vision in mind they created a calendar for 2019. A diary with the purpose of encourage you to live your life fully and also as a cheering note to self that you are beautiful as you are. And this is where Cornelia Sun Collective comes in. Tina came up with the idea that everyone should wear our kimonos when they were shooting for the calendar. She thought the design was the perfect match since it has a deep connection with the power of sisterhood. So, they all dressed up in their colorful creations and here is the beautiful result....
Tina and her amazing friends – all dressed up in Cornelia Sun kimonos.
We feel so honored and tremendously proud, it is such a gift to be linked to these people. And the best part of this intiativ is that these amazing ladies sold their calendar in 500 copies which resulted in 75 000 SEK (approx 7 000 EURO / 7 800 USD) and THEY DONATED EVERY SINGLE PENNY TO CANCERFONDEN ❤
"Våga LEVA, DANSA OCH VEVA!"
– in english this means "dare to live, dance and be free".
So. Much. Love. We are beyond grateful to find our design being worn by these incredible women who deserves the biggest most warm-hearted hug ever for this beautiful initiativ. So inspiring and it brings us so much hope for humanity! This is what sisterhood is all about; being there for one another in both good times and in bad. Thank you Tina for sharing your story with us and thank you and your soul sisters for showing the world that it is possible to move through loss and grief. We are sure Eva is so so proud of you and that she moves her hips too when you turn that music on.
Once women find sisterhood – it will never go away.
Much love, from one sister to another
xx Lisa, co-founder
”Du slutade aldrig att leva, du började aldrig att dö…” som sången till dig i kyrkan började.Precis så var det.
Du hade kvar din livsglädje och livsgnista in i det sista. Du är vår hjältinna, Eva!
Knowing where your clothes are made and under what conditions shouldn’t be a secret. We believe transparency is the first step to transform the fashion industry into a force of good. Cornelia Sun Collective is designed by two sisters in Sweden and proudly produced by small family-run businesses in Kathmandu, Nepal. Our team has visited our factories personally to make sure that our co-workers operate under both good economic and environmental conditions that correspond to our code of conduct. We are forever grateful for this partnership and could not be more proud of our co-workers.
Let´s continue to march on and dress up for a more sustainable and fair fashion industry each and every day. The more people who ask #whomademyclothes, the more brands will listen. Use your voice and your power to change the fashion industry.
Together we are changing the world with style.
We kicked start this era by throwing an event last Thursday where we
talked about our work with the Global Goals and how we let sustainability
permeates everything we do. Thanks to all of you beautiful souls
who came by, it means so much to the two of us!
Love meeting you and sharing thoughts ❤
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