We are so lucky Paris is full of talented and interesting people. Catherine Tisseuil goes the distance in sourcing the beautiful ethically made accessories that she carries in her shop, the 16éme Sud, tucked away on 30 Rue Saint Roch in the heart of the city. The shop unfolds true international flavor with pieces from Manto Abrigos (Argentina), Jianhui (China), Filles du Facteur (Burkina Fasa Africa) and Norlha (Tibet). But, I need to point out that Catherine Tisseuil is first and foremost a jewelry designer, having worked for Christian Dior and Franck et Fils before opening the 16émé Sud.

Having studied philosophy and political science, Catherine has managed to create her own sustainable philosophy within the stone walls of her charming boutique. She is busy upscaling recuperated silver into beautiful artisanal jewelry pieces. Pince à sucres transformed into delicate earrings or bracelets. The bracelet on the left was formerly used to serve up asparagus.  Yes it’s true, the French have a specific utensil just for that one vegetable.

Tiny silver salt and pepper shakers made into men’s cufflinks are sure to make for a one of a kind gift. Catherine explained to me how dining in France has changed. Years ago eating was more often than not a formal affair. People got their best silver out and dressed up for dinner. Nowadays, it’s lucky if families manage to actually sit down together for a meal. People also live in much smaller apartments. No one seems to have any place to store heirlooms. So what to do with your great aunt’s silver they have handed down to you? or the wedding gifts you received that are collecting dust on top of the refrigerator?  Well, you can bring them to Catherine Tisseuil and she will transform them into a heart rendered treasure.

And then ask her to show you her erotic jewellery she is making hidden away in a precious silver box …

www.16émesud.fr

Manto are the threads that connect us - Manto is Northern Argentina – Manto gets involved in the environment where the artisan lives - Manto is textile art & a weaving COMMUNITY – Manto uses recycled rubber to make fabrics or accessories www.mantoabrigos.com.ar

Filles du Facteur is a non profit organization devoted to helping women well beyond borders. Burkina Faso -Africa. www.fillesdufactueur.com « We aim to help them help themselves by providing them with work so they can achieve financial independence and access to health and education»

Women recuperate discarded black plastic bags then use to weave with cotton. The result is an incredible textile, very agreeable to the touch as well as being sturdy.

Norlha has helped this nomadic community maintain their culture, sustain their environment, and diversify their income. Read more on www.norlha.com

I have absolutely nothing against China. Hats off to them for their incredible business saavy. Yet, as a conscious consumer in fashion, I have taken a stand in boycotting some of my favorite stores where the majority of goods are «Made in China». I now support buying only quality manufactured European goods. Perhaps a subtle effort on my part facing the scale of the economic crisis, but am still convinced am supporting Europe’s economy.

What about «Made in France?» There exists a handful of people in this country trying their best to encourage French production. But reality bites. Did you know it costs 5 times more to fabricate a pair of pants in France compared to Budapest?  If trying to run a lucrative business what would you chose to do?

I was curious, so recently took a tour of the women’s clothing section in Printemps department store to find out where the clothes are coming from.  Here is just the tip of a iceberg. Sandro has branched out from their Chinese fabrications with clothes marked Tunisia, Bosnia, and Portugal as well as China. Maje are busy out sourcing in Bosnia, Turkey and India. Vanessa Bruno’s cool pants resembling jeans in an excellent fabric were unsurprisingly «Made In Italy» which Thank-God still exudes quality. VB had some pieces that were “Made in Roumania”. And it comes as  no surprise that Paul and Joe’s clothes were principally «Made in China».

I found Kenzo deceiving in their marketing. On the inside of a jacket there was a large ticket marked «Kenzo Paris «  Inside, I discovered a ticket «Made in Slovakia.»  Somehow, this made me feel I was having the wool pulled over my eyes …

On the flip side I am very happy with my new Alexander McQueen dress «Made in Italy» What can I say, just that it’s superb jersey.

and love my new Repetto heels that I am quite sure have been made in their factory in Dordogne, France. Strangely, that information is lacking both on the shoes and the box. If I were Repetto, I would proudly stamp « Made in France» on the bottom of all of their shoes.

 Contrary to what many people believe the manufacturers in France are not obliged by law to inform the consumer where a product was made. This ofcourse does not include alimentary products. Unfortunately, more and more companies are making it their policy to NOT ticket at all saying it’s an infringement upon their rights. Hmmmm… I beg to differ.

I am closing with two quotes from outspoken eco conscious fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. You gotta love her!

copyright cmarchuska

‘‘Of course I try not to waste and my way of not wasting is to try to concentrate on quality not quantity. And you know my message, it is buy less, choose well, make it last. Even better, don’t buy anything. Don’t buy any clothes for ages until you really have to.” this one is even better  “The fight is no longer between the classes or between rich and poor but between the idiots and the eco-conscious.” Vivienne Westwood

As a future organic caterer, I was wondering how to gear my blog more towards food AND still keep it focused on fashion and sustainability. The answer came with Elettra Wiedemann, a mega inspirational model, who gave the fashion industry a huge bear hug in the form of her Goodness pop up restaurants she organized during the last two New York fashion weeks. I was lucky enough to catch up with Elettra.

photo Taea Thale

photo Abe Shaw and Sara Jaye Weiss

Hey Elettra, Goodness seems to be your eureka moment linking your masters degree in biomedicine with fashion/food.  I heard you say that one reason you set out to provide good food for the fashion industry during NY fashion week was due to the lack of… you mentioned finding yourself often gobbling down pretzels!

Well bravo on providing the fashion industry with amazing food. On top of it, your Goodness project got the stamp of approval from the CFDA Health Initiative board.
Do you think that after Vogue’s Health Initiative Issue called on producers to provide healthy foods backstage for the models that the head honchos will dig deeper into their pockets and take the needed action?

“I think that having influential figures like the CFDA and Vogue come out and open the conversation about healthy eating and eating disorders is a major positive step.  I have absolutely seen an improvement in the food that is offered backstage at shows and at photo shoots. I am sure that has to do with the new “fashion focus” on these issues, as well as a general public knowledge about food quality, and  even technology and techniques in the catering business that enable better quality of food, etc.”

You are someone that really takes care of yourself physically. I have seen you literally metamorphisize your body into uber lean and toned. What is your routine to keep physically mentally and spiritually fit?

“I started training for triathlons earlier this year and really loved it. It transformed my relationship to my body completely. Before, I was exercising to be thin, now I exercise to be strong and fast and I marvel every day at what my body is capable of and how incredibly adaptive it is.”

What do you think of the portrayal of health, wellness and nutrition in general in today’s fashion world?

photo Kevin Sinclair

“I think the fashion industry is caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to health, wellness, and nutrition. On the one hand, they are criticized for using women (and now men!) that are too thin, BUT on the other hand, when they cast models in shoots/campaigns that are “healthy” looking, no one buys the clothes/it doesn’t get the same marketing response. At the end of the day, fashion is a business – everyone needs to sell ! Editors, designers, casting directors are not only “imposing” a look on the world, but also responding to what makes consumers open up their wallets and spend money.”

photo Abe Shaw and Sara Jaye Weiss

photo Abe Shaw and Sara Jaye Weiss

On the latest Goodness endeavor you and your team showcased big name chef’s Mario Batali, Alain Allegretti, & Julian Medina. Is there anyway to showcase the farmers ( my heros ) that provided Goodness with their locally sourced products?

“I think that the culinary world has smartly taken a page out of Fashion Branding 101. Chefs and Restaurants have become brands. Brands are what gain attention, because, in a sense, you become larger than life. Farmers need to take a page out of that book too. One farm in NY called Bluehill Farm has done this and it works. People in NY know where Blue Farm is, what is stands for, and the quality they create…. It is very well respected and people look to it as an “influencer”. Other farms just become little market stands with no real, lasting presence. This, I believe, is an incredibly important step that needs to be made  in order for farmers to be more in the forefront.”

photo Abe Shaw and Sara Jaye Weiss

What were Goodness’s criteria for locally grown produce?

“I tried to be careful about ensuring that the produce was locally grown, but ultimately the chefs that GOODNESS worked with were very particular about working with their own suppliers. Luckily, most of the farmers they worked with were local, organic farmers and produce/meat that you could find at the local farmers market in NYC.”

Elettra, I really hope you manage to bring some Goodness to Europe for 2013 !

In an interview with AD magazine, you mentionned author Barbara Kingslover as one of your ideal wish list dinner guests. I am reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle in which she points out the importance of buying local produce way back in 1983 when she and her family decided to take on farming for a year. Back then a lot of farmers chose not to get certified due to the hefty fee. They sold locally on their reputation alone. What is your take on being «certified organic» as well as the importance of the public eating more «locavore» ?

“I think when you are a consumer in a big city, being certified organic is important because it means that more people can look at your product and know you have hit certain standards. I am thinking particularly of the USDA Organic stamp in the States…. However, that being said, there is SO MUCH misinformation about these labels now that I think most people are just confused. The other day, I was at a store looking at eggs and one of the boxes said “all natural.” OF COURSE THEY ARE ALL NATURAL, IT CAME OUT OF A CHICKEN, WHICH IS PART OF NATURE! But just because it’s natural doesn’t mean that the chickens were treated humanely, or that the food they ate was good quality, or whether they were stuck in a cage with no fresh water and sun… I think many companies pray on the confusion to peddle products that can be marketed as “natural” and people just associate that word with positive connotations and buy the product thinking they are making the right choice. For this reason, I think certification is important. However, if you are in a small community, and the farm is down the road, it could be just as effective to go look at the operation or volunteer to understand how your food is being grown.”

Elettra you spend quite a bit of time in France, recently I tuned into the new reality TV show called «200 km à la ronde» On this show, families searched for and ate ONLY locally grown produce up to a maximum distance of 200 km away from their homes. They were challenged to say the least. Unfortunately, local French organic products are even more scarce. In the 90‘s, when Europe as a whole was injecting money into the agricultural organic turnover, France missed the bus and now lags behind countries such as Germany, Spain and Italy. The good news is, the french farmers themselves are really trying hard to catch up with a 50 % jump in farms turning over to organic agriculture methods in just the last two years. Hopefully in a few years France will be able to meet the consumers ever rising demand for organic food which they presently do not, hence lots of importing. The new minister of agriculture Stéphane Le Foll is busy putting into effect an ambitious « plan bio « shooting for 20 % of France’s farmland to be cultivated via organic methods by 2020. We are presently at 6 % . Go crazy Le Foll !

Elettra has kindly shared a personal recipe with us.

ELETTRA’S VEGGIE BOWL OF GOODNESS

SERVES 2-4 PEOPLE

• Quinoa
• Chicken stock
• (also veggies that are in season can be used!)
• Carrots
• Red peppers
• Corn
• 1 Red Onion
• 2 cloves of Garlic
• handful of Spinach
• handful of shitake mushrooms
• 1/2 avocado
• pesto
• hummus
• PHASE ONE
• First wash carrot, red pepper, corn, onion and dice them into small cubes
• The corn can be cut right off the cob.
• Combine the carrot, corn, and red pepper in a bowl and set aside.
• Leave diced red onion separate
• chop garlic cloves and combine with onion
• Wash the mushrooms and slice them length wise.
• Wash the spinach and set aside separately
• Slice half an avocado length wise and set aside separately
• PHASE TWO
• Measure out two cups of chicken stock and bring to a boil
• Once is boiling add one cup of quinoa and reduce the heat to a simmer, cover with top
• leave for 15 minutes (if it starts to get too dry add small amounts water)
• PHASE 3
• While quinoa is cooking, put some olive oil in a pan and throw in the garlic and onions
• cook garlic and onions until golden brown
• then add carrots, corn, and red pepper
• cook for about 5-7 minutes until they start to be cooked
• add mushrooms
• cook everything for an additional 5-7 minutes
• then add spinach at the last minute (this should only take about one minute)
• PHASE 4
• When quinoa is done, fluff it with a spoon at add a dash of olive oil and a pinch of salt
• Throw in vegetables and mix well all together
• add a spoonful of pesto
• add a spoonful of hummus
• garnish with avocado on the top
• (sometimes I also crumble some feta cheese over the top)
• FINIS!

Nineteen International editions of Vogue took the fashion industry by the hand in a positive step forward with the publications of Health Initiative Issues.

Vogue’s objective is to get the fashion industry on board in helping the models as role models get and stay healthy so they can then present a more positive body image to the public. Vogue laid it out in a six point pledge.  Point number five asks designers to consider the consequences in fabricating « ridiculously small» prototypes that ONLY certain models can fit into.  We know models need to be tall, thin and well proportioned for their job but, for Vogue to publicly take a stance like this just confirmed that the pendulum had swung too far in the scarily skinny direction and now needs to come back to the center.

I wonder if those super small prototypes that the models need to fit into have an influence on the sizes found in the boutiques?  Hmmmmm…. Here is a personal anecdote.

A few months ago, I entered a cool upscale designer boutique looking for a pair of jeans. I found some I liked and asked the salesgirl if I could try them on.  She handed me a size 0 . I informed her nicely that I wasn’t a size 0 . After looking me up and down and performing some amazing eyeball rolling she handed me a size 1. At this point, I was beginning to feel flustered, having been a size 40 for … 15 years. Somewhat skeptical,  I made my way to the changeroom. I actually found myself jumping up and down a few times trying to get those suckers on but, to no avail. I sheepishly asked for a size 2. The salesgirl’s jaw actually dropped. I mean I could see the fillings in her back teeth.  I felt my face flushing bright pink. The bottem line? size 2 fit.  I paid and dashed out the door. I am still wearing the jeans but, needless to say,  I haven’t been back to that particular boutique since.

How and the heck did the French size 40 get transformed into the digit 2? To me, size 0 represents a not very subliminal message that says « Thanks for buying our stuff but, we would actually prefer you don’t physically exist. «  The Free Dictionary defines 0 ( zero ) as,

An argument at which the value of a function vanishes.

Having no influence or importance; a nonentity:

The lowest point:

Nothing; nil:

Having no measurable or otherwise determinable value.

Am I being over sensitive? Even if I am I did find it reassuring when found this International conversion chart where 0, 1 and 2 are no where to be found. Conversion Sizes . OK time for a change of subject.

Passionate environmentalist and model Gisele Bundchen was chosen to grace the cover of Paris Vogue’s «Health Initiative Issue.»  Her native country Brazil, hosted United Nations World Environment Day that took place Tuesday in Rio de Janiero. This year’s theme was Green Economy: Does it include You?  UNEP . World Environment Day jumpstarted over 8600 green projects around the world that will be put in place this week helping everyone warm up for Rio + 20,  the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development to be held 20-22 of June UNCSD .

As a goodwill ambassador for the UN Environment Programme ( UNEP ), Gisele not only presented the Champion’s of the Earth Environment Awards Treehugger, but helped plant trees for the Green Nation Fest Treehugger .

You can discover more of what Gisele is up to on her blog Gisele Bundchen . And I will wrap it up with the link to the green website she created for kids.   GiseleandtheGreenteam

The controversy around the Kony 2012 Invisible Children video gave me serious writer’s block. I was just about to post my article which included both the video and the organization Invisible Children when the director Jason Russell was picked up by the cops in quite a state, wandering the streets of San Diego naked.  I was like, stop the press ! and decided to reflect.

At the urging of my 14 year old daughter,  I was one of the 30 million people who watched the 32 minute Kony 2012 video on Utube. And although I thought the film over the top, that didn’t stop me from having a cry and making a donation. Since then, I have read numerous articles surrounding this controversial video. I consider Warchild’s response very coherent. The followup video Kony 2012 Part II: Beyond Famous  came out 5 days ago.  I consider this film much more toned down compared to the first one.

Now the subject of Invisible Children had also come to me from a fashion source. In 2005 Bono and his wife Ali Hewson created a clothing line called Edun, and they are associated with the Invisible Children organization.

Bono has done extensive philanthropic work in Africa dating back to 1985 when the charity World Vision invited him to Ethiopia whilst the country was experiencing one of the worst famines in history. While there he and Ali developed an education program on health and hygiene using plays and songs as a form of communication. That was just the beginning of their quest to develop a better world in conjunction with now more than 30 international charitable organizations to date. Does anyone remember the July 2007 Vanity Fair Africa issue in which Bono was one of their guest editors? It was a great issue, all covers were shot by Annie Leibovitz. I wish I still had a copy.

Making a Difference

Ali Hewson hasn’t stopped  pledging her role as a social entrepreneur and philanthropist. She recently visited Kibera, situated on the outskirts of Nairobi and considered the largest slum in Africa with approximately 1.2 million inhabitants. It was her first time to Kenya and she spoke out on the appalling living conditions as well as the difficulties the children encounter to attend school. Ali also went to Nairobi taking up contact with a fair trade jewellery and accessories company called Made. Based out of Nairobi since 2007, social entrepreneurs Gerson Barnett and his Italian wife Cristina Cisilino have made a difference  by creating 65 local jobs.  They have also created the charity Made Africa.

On Wednesday, the Fall/Winter 2012-2013 collections came to a close in the city of Paris . All industry people involved in the production of the shows have endured as usual, a grueling rhythm. Congratulations to all for your hard work resulting in an amazing season. On my side, I will take this opportunity to reveal to the public not only some inside fashion info, but the scoop on the «rare pearl» as well.

The PAP, short for the french term Prêt-à-Porter or Ready-to-Wear are a series of fashion
shows. Right now the Fall/Winter 2012-2013 collections are on. Twice a year nearly 500
models storm New York, London or Barcelona, then Milan and finally Paris. FYI The menʼs collections are shown at alternative times during the year. This «show circuit» takes a month to complete. There are close to 500 fashion show productions which means over
a show per hour. Without a single down day for many, it feels like a long and draining
steeplechase. Personally, I have always associated models on this circuit with that of
thoroughbred racing horses. They are both exquisitely beautiful but really need to train
before the race. Contrary to the idea that all models are naturally thin and donʼt need
to exercise, the majority work very hard at preparing themselves physically and mentally
to get on that runway. Strict diets, yoga, pilates, cardio, and swimming are par for the
course. On top of it they need to avoid bulky muscle mass, the goal is to become toned yet still remain lanky. These girls have made serious sacrifices in obtaining those bodies which in turn can make them skittish, especially in the stretch.

Why do models need to be SO thin for the fashion shows?

The bottom line? It could be because of the market demand. Itʼs true the designers are
under a lot of pressure from their owners to sell. Do seemingly impeccable looking clothes on the runway increase sales? Do we really need this hanger effect? I am wondering if there have been any actual studies done… Well reality bites and those models are desperately trying to meet those itsy bitsy size requirements as 1 cm «too much» on the hips can cost her show.

Every girlʼs body is unique, Thank-God right? But in the fashion show world, even if the model has the ideal height of 1.78m and attains the 80/60/88 cm max measurements, it still doesnʼt guarantee she will fit the clothes! Every designer has a unique cut. So, comments like these are common «love her but shoulders too broad». «Nope too long of a torso» «her legs not great and she isnʼt fitting the pants so canʼt use her». Did I mention that the girls also need to float like a butterfly in 10 cm heels? and have Madonna like confidence to boot? Now, back to the subject of size. Models can easily tip the scales in the too thin direction. This season I noticed one particular rising star relatively new on the show scene dramatically thinner than she was a season ago… Even with good advice and support itʼs still tricky for a model to develop her own healthy eating habits. And then there is the added pressure. In 2012 where an image model is going in her career depends directly on which shows she has been chosen to do. Did you know that there are a few fashion house powerhouses that can propel a girl to stardom? Such as: Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Prada, Balenciaga, Givenchy and sometimes Gucci & Yves Saint Laurent.

Why «powerhouses»?

Those particular fashion houses with their talented, charismatic designers have managed to create a huge buzz around the «rare pearl» in the form of a beautiful young woman that they want to call their own.

Who finds the «rare pearls» for the powerhouses?

Usually the casting directors – fashionʼs very own detectives. Sharp and tough as nails they are often like Sherlock Holmes and Watson rolled into one. A fashion show usually has between 25 to 45 spots. Imagine if you are 1 of the 500 models in town vying for one of those. Competitive to say the least. And here is where the casting directors transform into gatekeepers. None of their designers has time to see 400 or 500 models, so they will do a pre-casting then present the select few for the last call.

However, there are other people involved before our super sleuths arrive on the scene. The mother agents are the ones who have originally found and signed the model on in their own country. Mother agents receive a commission from the other international agencies signing. A model is allowed to have one agency in each different city. The larger international agencies employ scouts to track the models engaged by mother agents. Hereʼs where things take on a political nature. Tons of diplomacy and patience are needed while negotiating the signature of a potential major. Think sports! Yes, we are no longer in the era of the supermodel but that of the «rare pearl». And donʼt think for a second there isnʼt some serious competition going on between the powerhouses vying for the same girl. Once our fearless detectives have presented their finds to their designers, then it all comes down to obtaining the exclusivity of her beauty. They donʼt usually want her working for any of their competitors, at least not in the same city where their show is taking place. This is always sticky business for the modelʼs agents to negotiate and there always seems to be someone getting their featherʼs ruffled.

Do the models get paid a lot of money for working for a fashion house
exclusively?

Luckily, there are a few noble fashion houses that will put their money on the exclusivity. Other houses either claim they donʼt have the money, or just state outright that they shouldnʼt have to pay too much seeing as they will turn the girl into a star anyways. Most model agencies give in as they fear a chance like this wonʼt come up again… or that the model will leave them if they donʼt seize this opportunity. Agents often find themselves between a rock and a hard place but still try to negociate the best deal they can.

What happens when the girl is under 16 years of age?

If a model agency or casting director finds a pearl that is too young (under 16 years old), they are obliged to wait. These under age pearls are kept under wraps with CIA like top secret files stamped on them. Certain countries such as France, have laws that prohibit a model from working under age 16. Childrenʼs agencies do exist though, and they have a special licence. But a 15 year old would still only be able to work on a Wednesday or Saturday in France. Every once in awhile an under age girl will slip through the radar. Too often people involved in the modelʼs career are in a hurry to get her started as worried some other agency will entice her away with either big promises or just hard cash.

In conclusion, the problem with the «rare pearl» becoming notorious so quickly is often the too much too fast syndrome. Unfortunately the «rare pearl» can lack maturity as they have not been given time to learn the ropes. The models who have put in a few years of commercial work before becoming stars are the ones who are most likely to have developed good work habits and attitudes. For example, superstar models Lara Stone, Daria Werbowy, and Arizona Muse.

Voilà Voilà !

MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Recycling

Do you recycle at home? Itʼs actually a very easy way to make a difference. In Paris every residential building should be equipped with three different garbage bins. Now you might think it a joke that I am actually writing this down, but it seems that there are still a lot of people out there who are resistant to recycling. I know as they are always putting the wrong stuff in the wrong bins! So letʼs go back to basics.

White top= glass
Yellow top= packaging
Green top= burnable waste

If you are not from Paris, check out how recycling is set up in your city. We can also easily recycle our clothes without picking up a needle and thread. Give them away to friends, or if you want to do a little commercial business, sell them online. If I have clothes that havenʼt been claimed by friends, I put them out on the street in a visible manner and by the time I come back from the grocery store someone in need has scooped them up.

Oh and by the way, I met the ultimate recyclers last week at a macrobiotic cooking school. Any food leftover that hadnʼt been touched was recycled the next day into a new inventive dish. And there was absolutely no need for a fridge. A little precision here is that there was no meat or dairy involved in the cooking. All vegetable peels and bits were of course composted. I was amazed. I have this fantasy that the city of Paris will start composting soon .

The fashion industry has long been seen as an excessive, superficial, yet glamorous tribe of tightknit egotistical maniacs. The wanna be fashionistas, aside from reading glossy magazines and saving up for their Christian Louboutinʼs NEVER even get close to this exclusive circle. But isnʼt it wild how people from all walks of life are magnitized by this seemingly negatively charged realm called fashion? But hold on ! There is a blustery wind of positivity charging the fashion world that just canʼt be ignored. Companies are actually integrating Sustainability within their structures in order to create a better world. Yep, thatʼs a WOW. Hats off to Maiyet, a new luxury brand who are not only blowing my mind with their designs, but with their innovativeness in helping make Sustainability the latest ultimate fashionable trend.

What exactly is Sustainability?

The word emerged as a result of global concerns about the impact of rapid population and economic growth, which led to the over consumption of our natural resources. Luckily, there are people taking action. They are finding ways for humans to work in harmony with nature as well as support social and economic needs. This will help pave the way for future generations.

Last September, I was still working as a model agent at Next Paris when i was approached by Zan Ludlum responsible for casting Maiyetʼs first show in Paris. Honestly, I was blown away by the beauty of the press kit starring IMGʼs Canadian supermodel Daria Werbowy. But, what also really caught my attention were Maiyetʼs powerful social & Sustainable philosophies.

Letʼs face it, businesses can come off as impersonal. We often forget that actual human beings are the genetic makeup of all businesses. I would like to introduce to you one of the superhuman beings behind the creation of Maiyet. Personally, I was curious to why human rightʼs lawyer Paul Van Zyl crossed over to fashion. As I dug deeper, I pretty well fell in love with this South African man for what he has accomplished and done for others. Years ago, just after Nelson Mandela was freed, Paul and some of his countrymen were convinced that in order for South Africa to heal, they first had to reveal the truth about what had happened to their people during Apartheid. In 1995 under Archbishop Desmond Tutu, they set up the Truth and Reconciliation commission. Paul Van Zyl served as the executive secretary. For four years, the testimonies of victims, the families of those who had disappeared, and the perpetrators themselves were documented. The sessions were televised so the whole country would know the Truth. People were made accountable for their crimes.

Paul Van Zyl then went on to help form a worldwide non-profit organization called The International Center for Transitional Justice. A mouthful, I know. ICTJʼs goals are to help societies that have experienced massive human rights violations, build back civic trust in their state institutions. ICTJ help do this by furnishing documented comparative experiences as well as providing technical expertise. They have gone into over 35 different countries. You can check out their present activities on ICTJ. In 2009 Paul alongside Juan Méndez the former ICTJ President received the Skoll Award. You might be asking yourself what in the heck is Skoll? I know I was … Well, itʼs big. Canadian born Jeff Skoll is a very successful businessman,  social entrepreneur, filmaker and philanthropist. Fyi he was the first employee slash president at Ebay… The Skoll Foundation grants social entrepreneurs about eighty million dollars a year to help solve the worldʼs most pressing problems. I told you it was big.

So.cial En.tre.pre.neurs – n: societyʼs change agents: createurs of innovations that disrupt the status quo and transform our world for the better.

Now Paul isn’t alone on this venture.I really need to mention Kristy Caylor co-founder of Maiyet. This young woman has proved to be a fashion go getter with a conscience. She not only worked on Gapʼs Red projects but was the design consultant at Mercado Global, a fair trade company based out of Guatemala. Working directly with artisans, she taught them new techniques and guided product development. Did I mention Kristy has a BA in Industrial Engineering ? I can only imagine her and Paulʼs excitement, when they discovered artisans in Kenya and Colombia capable of lost cast waxing, the second oldest metal forming technique known to man.

Maiyet are also partnered with the non-profit organization Nest as well as social entrepreneur and organic Kind bar king Daniel Lubetzky. Finally, Gabriella Zanzani rounds out the team with her wealth of experience in her role as Maiyetʼs creative director.

Ok so finally I think I understand the link between a human rightʼs lawyer and the creation of a luxury fashion brand. Perhaps, after all those years of being on the front line of human atrocities, Paul realized he and his team can cultivate prosperity, dignity and peace with their unique, Sustainable vision of doing business.I donʼt know about you all, but I feel good these people are board. We can only hope Sustainability is here to stay and is not in fact just another trend. Maiyet will present their second collection during Paris Fashion Week at 2 pm on the 4th of March 2012 at the Salon France-Ameriques.

Please post about any people you might know that have implicated Sustainability into their fashion related business. I would love to hear about them. Then stay tuned for weekly posts on more knock your socks off, people, places, things and spirits, in the heart of fashion.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE
29eme Festival International du Film D’Environnement

In January, I tried to get to the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland. After inquiring via email, I received a prompt yet polite reply something to the effect of, « sorry Ms Sarrazin, but you have to be officially invited by someone» Ok, so I was aiming high, you can’t blame a girl for trying. However, I did manage to attend the  29th Festival International du Film d’Environment that was held here in Paris from the 7th – 14th of Febuary. A total of 116 films were shown from 36 different countries. On top of it, tickets were free! I didn’t manage to see the films that won the awards but here are my favs.

«Carbon for Water», showed how social entrepreneurs brought much needed carbon water filters into homes of western Kenya.

«Water on the Table», oh la la Canada what are you doing to our land? Thank-god we have water warrior Maude Barlow.

«Lovemeatender», the Belgian film put the food chain in perspective with a lot of humour. And, you can see how advanced our German neighbours are in phasing out nuclear energy in Carl A. Fechner’s, «The 4th Revolution: Energy Autonomy».

These documentaries proved to me once again that there are lots of busy bees out there in the making a difference department. But, the good news is, we can ALL make a difference. Even if it’s starting out seemingly small… like not letting the water run while brushing your teeth.