Designer dresses showcased at EFF event

Iconic pieces showcased at the RE:Fashion Awards 2008 and designed by the likes of Vivienne Westwood and Zandra Rhodes, will be on display today at the Ethical Fashion Forum’s first and only international ethical sourcing marketplace. Mandy Barder writes.

The two day long event will welcome a variety of designers, retailers, buyers and entrepreneurs alike who are passionate about producing and stocking sustainable fashion designs.

One of the major highlights at the marketplace will be a viewing of the iconic pieces that were showcased at the RE: Fashion Awards 2008, and modelled by the likes of Daisy Lowe, Leah Wood and Pixie Geldof.

Also exhibiting at the event is the SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association) from Gujarat in India who teamed up with ethical label Ascension earlier this year.

Ascension’s Ethical Consultant Clare Lissaman and designer Sury Bagenal visited Gujarat last year and witnessed first hand the exceptional work that the 70,000 women workers do. Traditional embroidery is a big part of their designs, which are all handmade and passed down through generations. SEWA’s initiative has really helped to develop and improve the lives of the women involved.

Run in partnership with internationally recognised operations and ethical experts, such as the World Fair Trade Organisation and the Fairtrade Foundation, the Global Sourcing Marketplace was born from a vision to provide opportunities for fashion professionals. The goals are to promote sustainable fashion, support fairtrade and ultimately reduce the fashion industry’s negative effect on the environment.

The Global Sourcing Marketplace is a non-profit making event and all proceeds will go to sustainable and fairtrade practices in the fashion industry.

Find out more at EFF.