Fair Trade Fashion Showcase - An ethical journey from Fibre to Fashion
Page 2 The Event March 2-4, 2018 marks the 7 th National Fair Trade Conference, hosted in Vancouver, B.C. by the Canadian Fair Trade Network, in partnership with Simon Fraser University. Each year, the Conference is hosted in a different Canadian city, and attracts over 300 attendees, from various backgrounds including students and youth, fair trade businesses and entrepreneurs, government representatives, and interested individuals wanting to change the world. This year at the Conference, one day will be dedicated to the theme of fair trade fashion and textiles. For some time, the fashion industry has been scrutinized in regards to the disturbing trend of fast fashion, clothing that is fabricated quickly using cheaper materials and even cheaper labour. Sustainable fashion offers a new alternative, focusing on recycling old materials, asking consumers to buy used and second hand, reusing, recycling and finding ways to extend the life of the products that are manufactured. Fair trade fashion takes this focus a step further, asking that raw materials be produced sustainably, with less chemicals, and assurance to protecting the human rights of producers all along the supply chain. To demonstrate the commitment to a new future that puts people and planet first in the textile and fashion industry, the Canadian Fair Trade Network is organizing a Fair Trade Fashion Showcase at the 2018 National Fair Trade Conference. Designers from Vancouver and Calgary will be selected to prepare fashion designs using internationally certified Fairtrade material. A display showcasing the fair trade fashions, a photo montage, and a video will be created to explain the journey of the material along the supply chain, with special focus on the people behind the scenes from fibre to fashion.
Page 3 Designer Requirements Recruitment for designers in two cities, Vancouver and Calgary, is underway. The goal is to showcase three designers based in Calgary. In total, we anticipate 6-7 different designers will provide one fashion design piece for the showcase. Each designer will be given a specified amount (4 meters) of internationally certified fairtrade cotton weave, undyed, and will be responsible to use the material in an efficient way to create one fashion design piece. The fabric is coming from Mandala Apparels based out of India. Their website is www.mandalaapparels.com. The goal is to incorporate the stories of the weavers who have made the fabric with the designers who then make the garments, to bring attention to labour issues within the textile industry: from fibre to fashion. Designers are encouraged to treat their fabric using natural dyes that are as chemical free as possible. Designers are also asked to be conscious of waste and try to utilize as much of the material, including scraps, into their design. There are no limitations on design ideas, but we ask that any accessories/ notions are either made of the fabric or are vintage/ second hand/ reused/ fairtrade to fit within the eco-fairtrade ethos and designers will be asked to explain such choices in the video. Designers will be asked to keep in communication with us during the design and fabrication process so we can photograph and film the process of their design journey and incorporate those shots into the final showcase and video that will be unveiled at the National Conference. Designers will be confirmed in January 2018 so that we can begin allocating the fabric. To apply to be a designer in our Fashion Showcase, please email Erin Bird at fairtradecalgary@gmail.com. Selection is at the discretion of Fair Trade Calgary.
Page 4 Why Participate? The fashion revolution is happening worldwide and is a growing movement. Be part of the change, and help Calgary lead the charge! Through your participation, you will be: - Supporting the ethical treatment of producers all along the supply chain - Respecting the environment all along the supply chain by avoiding use of chemicals - Inspiring and educating Calgarians on what fair trade means and how it can be executed within the fashion industry - Part of a bigger global movement that is making a difference and changing the way we do things - Adding to your portfolio of work - Leading the way for Canadian designers to think FAIR TRADE Photo courtesy Mandala Apparels
Page 5 Photo courtesy Mandala Apparels What is Fairtrade? FAIR PAY to producers ETHICALworking conditions for producers Environmentally SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES with little to no chemicals LONG TERM relationship with producers Fairtrade premium is a democratic COMMUNITY INVESTMENT into initiatives as decided by the producers.
Page 6 Recognition Designers will be recognized at the National Fair Trade Conference in Vancouver March 2-4, 2018 in the Conference program, Fashion Showcase video and photography. The Fair Trade Fashion Showcase video will be unveiled at the National Fair Trade Conference and will continue to be shared on social media and various Fair Trade organization websites. In addition to the Conference, designers may have the opportunity to get additional exposure for their fairtrade designs at the following upcoming functions: UCALGARY FASHION NETWORK A University of Calgary panel discussion January 26, 2018 Sustainable Fashion Show March 31, 2018 KUMVANA GALA Engineers Without Borders Calgary Chapter Fundraiser at St. Louis Hotel February 7, 2018 FASHION REVOLUTION YYC A week-long series of events around sustainable and ethical fashion in Calgary April 23-29, 2018 WORLD FAIR TRADE DAY in Calgary May 12, 2018 Press releases to media outlets will be issued for all events, and we aim to get exposure from local and potentially national media.
Page 7 Sponsorship In order to make an event memorable, sponsorship is needed! Sponsorship opportunities exist for both the National Fair Trade Conference in Vancouver March 2-4, 2018 and for local Fair Trade Calgary led initiatives for 2018. PLATINUM SPONSORSHIP $5000 Title Sponsor of Event, acknowledgement on all Conference/campaign materials, logo link on website and social media portals. GOLD SPONSORSHIP $2500 Partnering Sponsor of Event, acknowledgement on all Conference/campaign materials, logo link on website and social media portals SILVER SPONSORSHIP $1000 Contributing Sponsor of Event, acknowledgement on all materials related to the event, logo link on all posts related to the event BRONZE SPONSORSHIP $500 Noteworthy sponsor, acknowledgement at the event and in social media posts related to the event IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS are always welcome, and specific services we welcome for the Fair Trade Fashion Showcase include photography, video, printing, and rental/donation of mannequins for the showcase display.
Page 8 Contact If you have questions about this initiative, please contact: Erin Bird, Fair Trade Calgary 403-891-3121 www.fairtradecalgary.com fairtradecalgary@gmail.com For general questions about the National Fair Trade Conference in Vancouver and to register, please contact: Canadian Fair Trade Network www.cftn.ca info@cftn.ca Fair Trade Calgary is a group under the non for profit organization Engineers Without Borders Calgary, and advocates for fair trade choices to be available to Calgarians. Fair Trade Calgary is running a campaign to become Canada s next Fair Trade Town, and to do this, must achieve metrics around available of internationally certified fairtrade products at local retailers, grocers, restaurants, and cafes, in addition to obtaining the support of community groups and the municipal government for the Fair Trade Town designation. The Canadian Fair Trade Network is a non for profit organization that supports the grassroots fair trade movement, working with various campaigns across Canada. They also support and nurture the fair trade business community and engage with elected representatives. The CFTN works in partnership with Fairtrade Canada to support fair trade programs in municipalities across the country.