“Fashion makes people dream. On a global scale, the fashion industry is first and foremost a huge market as well as an economic driving force for job and wealth creation. This prosperity can and should in turn become the catalyst for sustainable development and social justice”. At word is Isabelle Quehe, the founder of the Ethical Fashion Show, that was launched in Paris in 2004.
For the sixth year already, the Ethical Fashion Show is bringing together designers from all around the world who share the same goal: designing cutting-edge fashion that strives for a better world, a world that respects mankind, the environment and the skills inherent to each culture
MADE IN FRANCE …. COMING TO NEW YORK
Just like art, music and movies; fashion is amongst the most important expressions that can inspire people through emotional experiences. These different businesses often take each other by the hand and are therefore frequently used in a rich combination that complement their power. The movement of color and sound initiates a unique sensory activity that opens the door to a personal experience.
Ethical fashion does more, as it also brings forth a social relation between creator and consumer. In the world of Sustainability, our new global paradigm, the human component is often the last one to find its place in the balancing act between the environmental and the economic pillars which shapes the trinity of the future.
As an Environmental Economist, eco consultant and media producer I am known to edutain mainstream masses with objective messages. My OUR PLANET television show, the SUSTAINABLE PLANET film festival ( New York, Brussels, Antwerp and Amman ) and my URBAN ECOLOGY book are just a few expressions of my dedication to filter the voice of Mother Earth in our contemporary urban tissue.
I was therefore more than honored this summer when I was approached by the Parisian Ethical Fashion Show team to bring their concept to New York. I developed a two day program that presented a new meeting point for the adopters of Sustainable Lifestyle solutions to partners, media and friends.
With this blog entry, I would like to offer you a flavor of the New York introduction of the Ethical Fashion Show concept and asked several participants of the preview their impressions.
The questions that I asked our photographer, our make up artist, model Therese and a Japanese art curator will offer a 360 degree impression. The three questions are the following:
1. The importance of Ethical Fashion to the World :
2. How would/does your relationship to fashion change, if it would fairly represent the contribution of the creator and also respect a harmonious environmental relationship.
3. What can you share about your experience with the New York Ethical Fashion introduction.
PHOTOGRAPHER IVAN MC CARTNEY
1. What we wear describes who we are even though we don’t always think of it that way. I love being close to nature as possible. As a person as well as a photographer I get inspiration from Mother Nature so why not wear it?
2. My relationship with fashion wont change. I have always been aware of my waste, on one level or another. I definitely feel that this train of thought should be made a standard in anyway possible.
3. I loved the show & look forward to the next one. The creativity in their line shows the true talent in the craft as well as “wearablity” if that’s a word. All while being green.
MAKE UP ARTIST ALISON RAFFAELE
1. There is an old saying, “The personal is the political” meaning that every choice we make has an impact on the world around us. Nothing could be more true.
2. It would just make me feel better about wearing the garment.
3. I am thrilled to be sponsoring the Ethical Fashion Show in NYC! Too many people believe that Ethical Fashion and Beauty is an unattainable dream, so I feel it is important to demonstrate its possibility.
MODEL THERESE
1. I think it is very important to incorporate an eco-friendly lifestyle into as many facets of our lives as we can. We are well aware of the damage we are doing to our Planet. The concept of environmentally conscious fashion is brilliant. The fashion industry is not only a billion dollar industry, but it is also very influential. The impact that the fashion industry can have in putting a dent in our carbon footprint by creating eco-friendly pieces and practices, is quite significant. Thus, I think it is absolutely necessary that Ethical Fashion is brought to the mainstream.
2. My relationship with fashion would change in the sense that I would feel proud to be wearing this kind of fashion because I would also be helping the environment; my clothes would no longer be about fashion or comfort. I have a lot of respect for any artist that not only creates beautiful, original pieces, but also cares about a bigger cause. If there were two fashion lines next to each other that were identical, I would purchase the clothing that was more-eco friendly. Being environmentally conscious is about realizing that it’s not about us as an individual. Fashion is a great way to push this movement and unite it as well as it introduces people to an eco-friendly lifestyle. By proudly wearing these fashions, people will be contributing to a great cause, making a positive impact towards the environment.
3. I very much enjoyed the New York Ethical Fashion show. I was a model in this show, and I was so happy to contribute to such a great cause. I really believe in the cause I am supporting, and to be able to help in any capacity was wonderful. In addition, the show brought together like-minded environmentally conscious people to discuss the concept of eco-friendly fashion. The energy was electric as people were very excited about Ethical Fashion. I cannot wait for more people to be introduced to this wonderful, innovative concept!
GUEST MIE IWATSUKI, MODEL & ART CURATOR
1. I think this idea will broaden the awareness of importance of ecology to a wider audience and bring this notion to our daily life. Also I think there is more and more waste and we should be thinking of new ways on how to recycle our old pieces of clothing into new ones.
2. I think the people in the fashion industry who give attention to the environment should be given more exposure and respect for their initiatives. Their fashion shows should be well exposed in the mass media, to appeal to a broader public audience.
3. I think it was very well coordinated and I wish to attend more if there is more to be planned, brilliant idea, I wish to collaborate with Pamela in the nearby future with my Fashion + Art oriented practice, I think it will be more diverse if the art and fashion can intermingle.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2010
In the spring of 2010, you can expect round tables, designers showrooms with international exhibitors, ethical fashion show runways, screenings and exhibitions as well as a fashion show award.
I would therefore like to call for all artists and designers to submit us pictures of designs that are considered “ETHICAL“ according to our code of conduct. Send questions regarding the competition to info@pamelapeeters.com
CODE OF CONDUCT:
I. FASHION DESIGNED AND PRODUCED IN CONDITIONS THAT RESPECT MANKIND:
* Respecting working conditions in accordance with International Labour Organisation conventions.
* Ethical fashion contributes to the development of communities through sustainable actions.
* Respecting intellectual property.
II. FASHION WHICH DECREASES THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY, FROM THE DESIGN OF FABRIC, THROUGH CONFECTION TO THE END OF CLOTHES’ LIVES:
* By favouring the use of raw materials and agents, which have the least possible impact on the environment (during their production, use, and removal).
III. FASHION WHICH PRESERVES LOCAL SKILLS:
* By promoting partnerships with local artisans, ethical fashion ensures culture-specific skills are promoted, sustained, and maintained.
The core team from LIVE EARTH present their unique solution towards the water crisis during a press conference in New York
Today I attended the press conference that united Jessica Biel, Alexandra Cousteau, Pete Wentz, Angelique Kidjo, Jenny Fletcher, Live Earth, Dow and Global Water Challenge to announce the largest solutions-based initiative aimed at helping to solve the world’s water crisis in history.
The Dow Live Earth Run for Water– will take place April 18, 2010. It is a series of 6km run/walks (the average distance women and children walk everyday to secure water) taking place over the course of 24 hours in 192 countries, featuring concerts and water education activities aimed at igniting a massive global movement to help solve the water crisis.
The first of many cities set to host a run/walk were announced today, including, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cape Town, South Africa; Chicago, IL; Hong Kong, China; London, UK; Los Angeles, CA; Mexico City, Mexico; Minneapolis, MN; New York, NY; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Singapore City, Singapore; and Stockholm, Sweden.
I conducted interviews with Kevin Wall, the creator and the producer of Live Earth, who already successfully produced Live Aid and Live 8. I also had a chance to talk to singer Angelique Kidjo, a UNICEF ambassador originating from Benin.
Both interviews will be featured shortly on the Sustainable Styles magazine.
Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy and I found common grounds as he showcased his jacket, which was a recycling project dating back from WWII, but that got relooked by a friend of his.
The Dow Live Earth Run for Water run/walk registration opens today and looks to inspire people from all around the world to reduce their own water consumption and make clean fresh drinking water available to the deprived.
The founder and producer from Live EARTH - Kevin Wall - and I at the press conference today!
Isabelle Quehe, Eric Hunter Slater, Dragana, Therese and myself toast the launch of the Ethical Fashion show in New York
I have been asked by the Parisian founders of the Ethical Fashion Show to bring a new meeting point for the adopters of Sustainable Lifestyle solutions to New York.
To that extend I have created a multi media preview with a fashion show and invited potential partners as well as media.
During two days I gave the guests an organic glimpse of what will become a four day Ethical Fashion show in March of 2010.
We celebrated organic clothing that is produced according to the principles of Fair Trade and that also introduces some amazing recycling techniques.
The models looked beautiful and we toasted the Parisian founders Isabelle, Regine and Sylvia with their project. I look forward to keep you in the loop about the pre-production of the New York 2010 event and would love to invite the right partners to contact me if they want to become involved in the new meeting point for visionary trendsetters.
Thanks also to my current partners Alison Raffaele who has an ECO friendly line of cosmetics, Mario Rinaldi from Paul Goerg champagne, Brad for his fabulous GuyLian chocolates, The entire VOLVIC team, who also brought Carpe Diem and Embodi drinks, Maria Therese Sansalone, the leading hairstylist from Piu Tono and my photographer Ivan McCartney. Thanks also to Eric Hunter Slater, Kaity, Marleen Vonk and Michelle Vey. Special thanks to Inno from Tangent Point!
More on the project :
Launched in 2004, the Ethical Fashion show platform brings together designers who all share the same goal : designing cutting-edge fashion which strives for a better world, a world that respects mankind, the environment and the skills inherent to each culture.
In 2008, 3500 visitors and 2000 professionals came to see the 130 designer showrooms, the conferences, exhibitions and runways in Paris. Thanks to the quality and the diversity of the supply, the show proved that ethical fashion is developing.
The founders of this visionary meeting point are also launching a online trading place, which will become the 1st marketplace for professionals.
In 2010, we will be offering a four day program in New York :
1/ 100 Ethical fashion and design showrooms : exhibitors present their creations and skills to fashion professionals. Are represented: Brazil, Thailand, Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Nigeria, Great-Britain, Ireland, Canada, Peru, Argentina, Indonesia, USA, Austria, ….
2/ The 2009 Ethical Fashion Show Award : this award is given to the most ethical designer by a panel of judges.
3/ Round tables : Informative and thought-provoking debates that will explore the key issues impacting ethical fashion
4/ Ethical Fashion Show Runways : the opportunity to showcase the refined work of artisans and designers.
5/ Screenings and exhibitions : Movies made by designers who take a part in the fashion show as well as an exhibition that concerns natural fibers.
I am a part of a wonderful new initiative that celebrates “oneness”. Through various events, an ever growing group of people will explore how we can achieve our next paradigm called “Sustainability” in a quicker manner.
The talent that gathered in Washington on September 2nd and 3rd, was of the visionary kind and I am happy to share that I am directing and co-producing a documentary on the topic with Blue Dot Productions.
Stay tuned, as there will be more information to share shortly!
POWER OF ONE 10.10.10 INITIATIVE LAUNCHES ITS QUANTUM DIALOGUE ONE SEPTEMBER 2, 2009 AT HOUSE OF SWEDEN, WASHINGTON, D.C.
Power of One 10.10.10 announces its Quantum Dialogue One: “The Interconnected Universe: The Power of Integrated Action”, on September 2, 2009 at the House of Sweden, Washington, D.C. A new initiative of Planet2025 Network, Power of One 10.10.10 was formed to catalyze quantum solutions to humanity’s greatest environmental and social challenges by shifting consciousness and celebrating the oneness of all life.
Quantum Dialogue One’s distinguished panelists include Dr. Amit Goswami, theoretical quantum physicist; renowned spiritual leader Swami Veda Bharati; Harriet Fulbright, President of the Fulbright Center; Dr. Claes Nobel, champion of United Earth, Earth Ethics and Youth Leadership.
The dialogue will be moderated by Atem Ramsundersingh, Chair, Asia-Europe Dialogue for Exchange and Sustainable Development, and Pamela Peeters, environmental economist and producer of Sustainable Planet film festivals.
Power of One 10.10.10’s three co-founders, Steven Lovink, Founder of Planet2025 Network; Sr. Jenna Maraj, Director, Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center of Washington and Curator, Meditation Museum, Silver Spring, MD; and Dr. Laura Dunham, spiritual teacher and author of Spiritual Wisdom for a Planet in Peril, are featured speakers, along with Wendy Walter, Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Network of Washington, D.C., one of the principal collaborating institutions for the event.
On September 2, participants will engage in an interactive dialogue with panelists and speakers featuring round table exchanges on core dialogue themes and subjects. At 6:00 p.m. a rooftop reception at the House of Sweden will precede the Washington screening of Dr. Amit Goswami’s new film, Quantum Activist.
On September 3, private interviews with panelists and speakers will be conducted, as part of the making of a Power of One 10.10.10 documentary and series of DVDs to be made available through the initiative’s website at www.powerofone101010.org.
