Social Change – Part 2
Image credit: The Social Studio
After the popularity of a previous article we wrote on Social Change under our Trends section within the Magazine, we were surprised by the feedback from our iSpyStyle members recommending many other examples. So here’s our Social Change article part 2.
With society as a whole becoming socially aware and developing a social conscious, it is not surprising that the macro trend occurring within the retail market is moving along with great force. Social change is no longer considered a luxury for many consumers it is a necessity and those companies with the intelligence to get on board are reaping the benefits. Here are some of the fashion retail at the forefront of this trend.
Etiko – Etike is a socially conscious company working on the basis of fair trade and organics they are currently running ‘Design for good’ competition based on designing to promote the fair trade industry within Australia. The winner receives prize money as well as the possibility of their design being printed on t- shirts to be distributed and sold. The design competition runs until April 24.
Sosume and Bassike – both of these Australian labels are making a conscious effort to create social change, through their extensive use of organic cotton in their ranges. However what these two labels do best is create desirable, stylish collections where the choice of fabric is beneficial to the overall design and its not just a “marketing tool” used; its inherent to the design aesthetic.
Sportsgirl and the Butterfly foundation – Sportsgirl have teamed up with a variety of their “Sportsgirl likes” designers and created mini capsule collections of items sold within Sportsgirl stores and online with profits going to the Butterfly foundation. The Butterfly foundation is all about promoting positive body image and that’s an issue that Sportsgirls target market really relate too.
The Social Studio – this initiative started to come together in 2009 and has grown dramatically since its conception. The social studio invests in people, working with the young refugee community to develop and manufacture clothing from recycled materials. As well as a production house and retail outlet The Social Studio also operates as a café. This integration of a number of functions of the space ensures that it is a social and functional environment for all. The social studio also offers a range of social support including legal advice, counseling, tutoring, driving and formal training in clothing production, retail and hospitality.
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