When it comes to fashion, we are all inspired by what we see; whether it be a well-dressed celebrity, a blow-your-mind catwalk presentation or even a super stylish every-day passerby.
As fashion editors, we’re moved by all of the above, and then some. We’re exposed to under-the-radar labels; we get a first-hand look at collections months before they hit stores; we’re tapped into brands with chic-yet-cheap offerings and we shop – a lot.
To share our knowledge, FEMAIL brings you Style Swoon, a weekly series of the latest, greatest and on the verge. We hope this Friday series will serve as a buying guide and point of inspiration for the clotheshorses and fashion fanatics alike. This week’s edition focuses on industry do-gooders.
Denim for change
Do Good: On Wednesday of this week, J.Crew announced the launch of their partnership with Blue Jeans Go Green
On Wednesday of this week, J.Crew announced the launch of their partnership with Blue Jeans Go Green.
The Blue Jeans Go Green program collects worn denim and upcycles it into UltraTouchDenim Insulation, providing a portion to communities in need across the country. They not only help out fellow Americans, they keep textile waste out of landfills.
Now through the end of 2018, you can bring in a pair of gently-worn jeans to any J.Crew store to get $20 off a new style, and all the old denim will be turned into housing insulation.
Look good: Now through the end of 2018, you can bring in a pair of gently-worn jeans to any J.Crew store to get $20 off a new style, and all the old denim will be turned into housing insulation
Feel good: The Blue Jeans Go Green program helps communities across the country and keeps textile waste out of landfills
Handbags from the heart
‘Discerning women who appreciate quality, expect functionality and don’t want to carry what everyone else is wearing,’ is how Julia Dobson, founder of Village England, describes her target customer.
‘She’s busy, and has many roles in life…real women in other words, she adds.’
What sets Julia’s practical and fashionable bags aside from others already on the market is quality, attention to detail and her intention.
‘From all my years working for luxury brands such as CELINE and Bally, I have a love of leather – the way it wears, the way it smells. Cheap leather, or treated leather (saffiano, bonded), well I find it pretty pointless.’ says Julia.
She starts with the best raw materials, in versatile colors, then adds details. ‘Pockets to make life just that little bit easier, multiple adjustable straps so the wearer has options.’
Doing the right thing is at the core of Julia’s business.
‘We produce our bags in the UK, as there has been such a loss of leather working skills in England over the years, and it’s important to us that we support our local industry.
‘Outside the UK we link with partners who share our values on how to treat people, how to respect the environment and transparency in every element of production.’
Fulmer in red by Village England, now $180; villageengland.com
‘Our newly launched canvas shoppers are made in Nepal by our new charity partner, ABC-Nepal. The organization rescues women and girls from sexual exploitation and trafficking. They not only give them stability and a safe place to live, but also support their education and provide vocational training (like sewing and fabric work), enabling them to lead dignified and independent lives.’
Village England has supported the organization by helping to set up a business with the purchase of sewing machines and fabrics. 100% of the money from the sale of the shoppers goes directly to the charity.
It’s not just about producing stylish handbags for Julia. ‘It was always about community, about giving, and helping those around you. Our values exist in everything we do, from our staff to our suppliers and customers.’
Fashion with a cause
In lieu of a fashion show this season, contemporary designer Rebecca Minkoff has focused her efforts on activism in alliance with The Women’s March
Star power: Celebrities like Victoria Justice and Jenna Elfman showed their support by wearing Rebecca Minkoff’s GRL PWR sweatshirt
In lieu of a fashion show this season, contemporary designer Rebecca Minkoff has focused her efforts on activism in alliance with The Women’s March.
Rebecca made a significant monetary donation to the cause and in support has launched a campaign along with key activists and women in the movement, highlighting their mission and individual voices.
As an extension of the Rebecca Minkoff brand philosophy, RM Superwomen is a newly launched social space (online + events) that inspires women to lead a fearless life, complete with a GRL PWR shop offering really cute and inspiring garb.
At the Women’s March in New York last Saturday, various celebrities, including Jessica Alba, Sophia Bush, Jenna Dewan, Mandy Moore, Victoria Justice and Krysten Ritter, all showed their support and solidarity wearing the Rebecca Minkoff GRL PWR sweatshirt.
The Grl Pwr Graphic Sweatshirt retails for $88 and can be purchased here.
Inspiring others: RM Superwomen is a newly launched social space (online + events) that inspires women to lead a fearless life, complete with a GRL PWR shop offering really cute garb