Fashion Fights Poverty Celebrates Fifth Anniversary and Kicks Off Event Series
Fashion Fights Poverty (FFP), created in 2005 by Style & Image Network, has become “one of the largest fashion fundraisers in Washington, DC,” and is one of the largest ethical fashion not-for-profit organizations in the United States. Featuring national and international designers who employ ethical means and practices in their design and manufacturing processes, FFP provides a forum for dialogue and awareness-building about how fashion, textiles, and design can alleviate poverty and empower communities.
As FFP celebrates its fifth anniversary in 2009, this year’s theme of “Re” draws upon today’s turbulent economic and social reality and the recurring call for reflection and change. Fashion Fights Poverty sees this as a return to creativity in fashion over trends; the emergence of a renaissance of the wearability of artful, well-constructed style. Featured designers include Aidah Collection, Nudie Jeans, RenéeQ Bespoke, and Lillybee by Simply Soles, among others.
This year also marks the debut of FFP’s inaugural scholarship competition, created for DC-area high school students. Students will be challenged to design a garment using sustainable materials and write an essay describing their garment’s concept, design, and execution. The winner will have the opportunity to participate in this year’s show and will earn a scholarship to be applied toward design school. FFP also continues to promote its Dress Responsibly Campaign, which encourages consumers to select eco-friendly and ethical fashions and products.
The FFP Fashion Advisory Committee uses the following guiding principles when selecting designers for both runway and photoshoots. Designers are selected based on at least one of these criteria. Designers do not have to practice all guidelines below to be considered.
- Ethical/ Social Responsibility Fair trade; sweatshop free; known source of fabrics and manufacturing processes of all notions. Design house or company is socially responsible if they incorporate the responsibility of a community, charity, or other ethical aspect to their business practices.
- Uses Sustainable Fibers and Textiles Bamboo, wool, cotton, hemp, flax, pineapple fabric (pineapple leaves are used as a textile fiber), tencel (biodegradable fabric made from wood pulp cellulose).
- Eco-friendly Uses organic fabrics (ensures that there are no added pesticides or synthetic softeners), and dyes are fruit and/or vegetable-based, tea-infused, among other organic dying methods; uses recycled materials, found objects, or vintage clothes.
- Other Criteria Cruelty-free, meaning vegan.
2009 Fashion Fights Poverty Event Series
Retrospective: Fashion Fights Poverty 2009 Lookbook Launch
Wednesday, 16 September, 2009 ~ 7:00pm – 10:00pm
L2 Lounge, 3315 Cady’s Alley NW (Georgetown), Washington, DC
RSVP by 2:00pm 16 September to rsvp@fashionfightspoverty.org.
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Redefine: 3rd Annual Ethical and Eco Fashion Forum
Tuesday, 22 September, 2009 ~ 6:00pm – 9:30pm
Historical Society of Washington DC, 801 K Street NW, Washington, DC
The Ethical and Eco Fashion Forum will unite a collaborative movement which addresses and initiates discussion amongst leaders, policy makers, consumers, and fashion designers. The forum offers a platform to discuss on a number of issues related to eco-sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), anti-poverty income-generating programs, micro-finance, and commercial fashion. The panel features representatives from the corporate industry, the fashion industry, the non-profit sector, international organizations, and academic institutions.
RSVP by 5:00pm 21 September to rsvp@fashionfightspoverty.org.
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Refashion: Fashion Fights Poverty Annual Benefit Fashion Show
Friday, 25 September, 2009 ~ 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Tickets are available online now:
Haute Couture $150
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails; guaranteed reserved seating during fashion show; priority entry to Release: the after party at Midtown/Midtown Loft, hosted by CW’s Paul Wharton; and gift bag.
Pret-a-Porter $75
General Admission to Fashion Show (standing room only) and Release after-party.
Download the FFP Media Packet for more information.
