Global Action Through Fashion 2010 Annual Report
Global Action Through Fashion is a non- profit founded with the vision to create a more equitable and sustainable world through fashion. We provide education & informational resources for consumers, producers & fashion industry professionals.
LETTERS
ABOUT
PROJECTS
consumers are the most powerful asset in shaping a better world; their decisions drive the behavior of corporations whose supply chains directly affect lives of millions and the health of our planet. GATF works to help consumers realize that power and use it to drive positive social and environmental change. in addition, GATF seeks to equip fashion producers to respond to that demand quickly, efficiently, and effectively by providing innovative open source solutions and a database of information.
Global Action Through Fashion www.globalactionthroughfashion.org
5 7 11
FUTURE
TEAM
BOARD
FIANCES
2011
ALLIES
29 33 35 37 40 42
2
“While we may be sick of hearing about green, one thing’s for sure — it’s not going away anytime soon. the bay area’s own Global Action Through Fashion is keeping eco-friendly fun and relevant with fashion events... the nonprofit do-gooders offer educational workshops and networking events as well, so keep your eye on their calendar and know you’ve done your part to create a healthier world.”
- Named “Best of San Francisco 2010” by San Francisco’s 7x7 Magazine
4
LETTERS
5
Message from the Founders
Letters from the Advisory Board Chair
It‘s hard to believe that only one year has
sistance regarding ethical supply chains to produc-
The importance of networking to support, educate,
passed since we started Global Action Through
ers and to provide resources and information to
and instill the morals and values of sustainable
Fashion. We have made great strides in furthering
the fashion community and the world of individual
our mission to make the world a better place through
consumers. The number of for-profit social enter-
fashion and we have done it on a shoestring budget
prises with environmental and social missions is on
product development to the global society are at the core of the mission of Global Action Through Fashion (GATF). The act of getting dressed is a
of less than $20,000. We created a comprehen-
the rise, but for-profits alone are not enough. In the
process we each participate in, often several times
sive online database of ethical fashion resources,
for-profit realm of ethical fashion, Global Action
a day, as we change clothes between roles and ac-
brought together thousands of practitioners to
tivities. Fashion is an enabling process that allows
learn from each other, began working on a docu-
Through Fashion is the facilitator of growth and the moral compass of the ethical fashion industry.
mentary film, and managed dozens of programs
Endless thanks to everyone who believed in us and
around us. The vital importance of GATF in interpret-
striving to improve the world through fashion. Our
continues to have faith in our work. Our success
ing and proclaiming the change that fashion must
dedicated and mostly volunteer team has worked
is only possible through your continued support.
make to sustain humanity and the environment is paramount. In their first year, Domenica and Grant
hard to achieve our shared goals. We are deeply grateful to them and our sponsors for their support. We are confident that ethical fashion is the
us the opportunity to adapt to the changing world
Domenica Peterson & Grant Ennis, Founders Global Action Through Fashion
have reached out and connected a global network of followers and leaders to assist in this challenge. Their work in 2010 has touched thousands, and
“gateway drug� to consumer supply chain
their capacity to meet their critical objectives for
consciousness. By opening people up to the
next year is within reach. The website they created is
realities of where their most prized and fashion-
outstanding, with particular attention to the ethical
able garments come from, who makes them, and
fashion resources. I am honored to be working with
what they are made of, people will begin to think
Tierra, Anthony, Lynda, and Morten on the advisory
about the impact of their purchases on the world.
board as we support, advise and work with GATF.
Our work in ethical fashion fosters and guides the
Dr. Connie Ulasewicz, Advisory Board Chair Global Action Through Fashion
growth of sustainable and ethical marketplaces. We strive to provide comprehensive technical as-
ABOUT
7
Global Action Through Fashion (GATF) The $450 billion global fashion industry is one
non-profit organization that strives to facilitate and
tices and resources needed to make global change.
of the most important sectors of the global
catalyze an ethical fashion movement in or-
GATF provides education and informational re-
economy, creating jobs and clothes for people
der that consumers and producers alike become
sources for consumers, producers, and fashion
all over the world. Unfortunately, as of 2007, only
a driving force in achieving global, sustainable
industry professionals as well as lectures, e-re-
$3
this
development. Consumers are generally unaware of
sources, videos, international conferences and
$450 billion is fair trade or environmentally
how the clothing they buy hurts the environment or
state of the industry reports. These programs
sustainable. The reality of the industry is that many
how its production exploits the laborers who made
and workshops serve to build the ethical fashion
individual producers in the developing world
it. The fashion industry needs increased access to
work long hours under strenuous conditions for
tools and support in using them, and consumers
pennies on the dollar, far less than a living wage.
need to know what they are buying. By promoting
The products they make are often produced us-
consumer awareness and providing technical as-
ing unclean energy sources and environmentally
sistance to producers in the industry, we can bring
damaging materials and processes. Lack of con-
about a shift in the way the world works by making
sumer awareness and insufficient industry know-
production and consumption more ethical. Through
how allow these problems to continue and worsen.
education, industry building, and consulting, we aim
Global Action Through Fashion is a 501(c)(3)
to provide producers and consumers with best prac-
billion
or
half
of
one
percent
of
Global Action Through Fashion, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization GATF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization financed
consumerism create waste. Ethical, recycled or fair
While the industry currently advocates ethical
entirely through tax deductible donations of gen-
trade goods do not always have a positive impact
fashion through a number of pioneering blogs,
erous donors such as yourself or others you may
and there are serious challenges to associating “buy�
magazines, and organizations, GATF goes a step further
know. This is both a challenge and an opportu-
with positive impact to the world. We address these
to serve as the hub for key information and resources
nity. We do not sell clothes, run profitable fashion
concerns as a non- profit and aspire to serve as the
regarding ethical fashion. Furthermore, the content
shows, or compete in the industry for market share.
industry’s barometer for conscious consumerism.
delivered by most ethical fashion industry advocates
While this means it is often a struggle to finance
industry and allow it to grow its impact in the
often unquestionably praises the growing ethical
our work, we do not face the conflicts that arise
world. Large retailers and brands, through their
fashion community of for-profit companies. GATF
from following profits and a bottom line. Instead,
sheer scale, have the greatest capacity to improve
maintains an objective and critical posture, serving as
we are able to focus one hundred percent on our
the lives of workers and protect the planet. By mak-
the moral compass and information hub of this emerg-
mission to make the world a better place and pro-
ing their businesses more sustainable, they can
ing industry and providing producers and consumers
vide an honest and unbiased perspective about the
create models for best practice in the fashion in-
with valuable knowledge and best practice guidelines.
state of the industry and best practices. Fashion and
dustry and have a positive impact on our world.
ABOUT
10
2010 PROGRAMS
S AND PROJECTS
PROJECTS
The First Bay Area Ethical Fashion Night April 4th, 2010 A first in San Francisco, GATF’s First Bay Area
Every detail aligned with the values of ethical fash-
was twofold: first, to educate people about the many
Ethical Fashion Night brought together 400 key ethi-
ion. Sponsors generously provided organic, local
approaches one could take as a consumer or a
cal fashion stakeholders under one roof to learn from
and fair trade food and beverages, including VeeV
producer to have a positive impact on the world
each other, connect, and foster a community. Indus-
Vodka, Alter Eco Chocolate, Mate Veza Beer, Adina
through fashion; and second, to create a com-
try professionals and consumers came together for
Beverages, FairHills Wine, and Stacy Scott Catering,
munity where these companies and institutions
the ultimate night of networking and learning at the
Seventeen for-profit ethical fashion companies, non-
could work together to create change. Participants
Hub SoMa in the San Francisco Chronicle building.
profits, and academic institutions networked and edu-
had the opportunity to speak with industry lead-
Participants learned first- hand about the intricacies,
cated participants about how their work positively im-
ers one-on-one to learn, network and collaborate.
complexities and opportunities in ethical fashion,
pacts the world. Visual media discussed the challenges
Discussions ranged from the complex, such as how fair
from fair trade apparel production in Peru to refash-
and opportunities of ethical fashion, fair trade, social
trade supply chains can help thousands of producers
ioning hospital scrubs into stunning couture gowns.
entrepreneurship, and more. The goal of the night
get themselves out of poverty, to a simpler explana-
tion about how used plastic bottles can become new
the Pacific researched and created a display on Social
clothing. Attendees had the opportunity to handle
Entrepreneurship and Fashion. San Francisco State
environmentally responsible fabrics and learn about
University created an interactive map for participants
the detrimental impact many conventional textiles
to learn about what part of the world their clothing
have on the environment. A few participants included
came from. California College of the Arts and San Fran-
Indigenous Designs, Escama Studio, PACT, Vagadu,
cisco Academy of Art featured innovative designs and
Stuart+Brown, VIE PR, Eco Citizen Boutique, Medium
educational tools created by fashion design students.
Reality, Teens Turning Green, Blank Verse Jewelry, The
The
San Francisco Academy of Art, California College of the
established GATF as a leader in the community. Four
Arts and San Francisco State University. Participants
hundred participants left engaged, inspired, and
left with a greater understanding regarding the im-
empowered to take action in making the world a
pact of their fashion choices on the planet. Profession-
better place through fashion.
als left with increased understanding of the opportu-
overwhelming
success
of
this
endeavor
nities available to improve industry practices with the knowledge that the support network was in place to follow through and implement those changes. The
location
in
San
Francisco
was
ideal.
San Francisco is a recognized hub for the Green movement, social initiatives, and socially and environmentally responsible design. The problem facing San Francisco is that there is no support network for the ethical fashion community and no united movement. There is very little opportunity for different actors to network, collaborate, share best practices, and work together to have significant impact on improving the global apparel industry. At the First Bay Area Ethical Fashion Night, we achieved producers together to meet and collaborate. We created the opportunity for leaders to meet on a large scale and, as a result, new partnerships formed. GATF is particularly passionate about empowering students who are the future of the fashion industry. It was our goal that students would not only learn at our event but also feel ownership of it. University of
14
PROJECTS
Reconstruct, Reincarnate, and Re-cool your T-Shirt with GATF. June 24, 2010
Reconstruct, Reincarnate, and Re-cool your T-Shirt with GATF. June 24, 2010
Global Action Through Fashion reminds the world that they indeed can reuse, repurpose, up-cycle and recycle. That is something you are unlikely to hear from a for- profit company interested in their bottom line. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the 2.5 billion pounds of postconsumer textile waste in the U.S. represents 10 pounds for every person, most of which goes into landfills. The idea that dressing ethically is not only about conscientious buying but also about combining waste and creativity to make new things served as the inspiration for our second project on June 24, 2010. Everyone owns t-shirts, usually many. They are staple items, worn as undergarments, given as gifts at events, and used to convey messages ranging from what musicians one likes to messages advocating ethical fashion choices. The social-environmental statistics on t-shirts alone are shocking. It takes about a third of a pound of pesticides and fertilizers and up to 10,000 liters of water to produce just the cotton to manufacture a single t-shirt. This is not even taking into account the chemicals and water poured into the dyeing and finishing process, the carbon
15
footprint of shipping that garment around the world,
old clothes to create couture garments of the high-
the human labor required to sew it together, and the
est quality for both men and women including vests,
impact of all those chemicals on the people along
shirts, and dresses. Page creates his line of high-end
the production line. An overwhelming 1.2 million
leather jackets from salvaged leather from the car
brand new t-shirts sell every day in the U.S. alone.
seats of luxury vehicles he buys at the junkyard.
At Reconstruct, Reincarnate and Re-cool your T-Shirt,
Both designers prove that used materials, which
a team of tailors and printers helped participants up-
many consider waste, can indeed be made into
cycle their old t-shirts into something exciting and
high-end new products that are competitive with
new. Participants who had never before used a needle
any conventional luxury product. Participants net-
and thread learned to turn old t-shirts into new shirts,
worked and met designers, producers, industry
scarves, dresses, hats and more. Participants cut fabric,
professionals, and academics working in the ethical
wove fabric, embellished, and silkscreened “Global
fashion arena. Once again, this GATF event left con-
Action Through Fashion� onto t-shirts along with the
sumers and industry leaders empowered to have
GATF logo and an image of the globe as a heart, mak-
a positive impact on the world through fashion.
ing old clothes into something new. This workshop was much more than a fun evening of arts and crafts. It addressed some of the solutions to the larger fashion threats facing our world. It taught participants to use less for more. Instead of disposing of an old garment, participants learned to make something new with it. This keeps old garments out of the landfill and makes
something
resources.
new
Through
without the
using
more
reconstruction
process, participants learned how to sew, enabling them to repair, alter, and prolong the lives of many more garments to come, saving thousands of gallons of water, and reducing the use of harmful chemicals. Along with cutting, sewing, and refashioning, ethical fashion designers Joui Turandot of Vagadu and Dustin Page of Platinum Dirt spoke, educating and inspiring participants. They are leading Bay Area ethical fashion designers who create their lines out of postconsumer waste and discarded fashion. Turandot refashions fabric scrap and
16
“Amid sowing machines, cutting tables and silk screens, the hipster fashion crowd is enthusiastically ripping, braiding, printing and appliqueing their t-shirts into new looks.
stopping only to dance a little and flirt (a lot) they listen to speeches
from designers from sustainable lines Vagadu and Platinum Dirt, who encourage and inspire the fervor with details of the reconstruction techniques they utilize in their designs. Maybe it was the Veev, but in that moment i wondered if i’d been transported to a
marvelous green utopia from the future. and it was a brief shining spot that won’t be forgotten by any of us that attended.” – Rowena Ritchie, Eco Salon
PROJECTS
18
The Future of Cotton Farm Tour November 4, 2010 Conventional cotton cultivation uses large amounts
home to over one third of the world’s cotton farm-
of toxic chemicals and wastes massive quantities of
ers, cotton accounts for 54 percent of all pesticides
water. It is vital that we find alternative methods to
used annually despite occupying just five percent
grow cotton — one of the world’s most popular fi-
of land under crops. This is an enormous problem.
bers — which are not harmful to the environment.
With organic products and practices, less chemicals,
This project supports that future by providing an
and improved watering systems, a solution is in sight.
educational tour of sustainable cotton farms in Cali-
On the Sustainable Cotton Farm tour, participants
fornia’s central valley. Hosted by GATF, GAP Inc and
visited farms, cotton growers, ginning facilities,
the Sustainable Cotton Project (SCP), participants
watched cotton harvesting, and heard local doctors
experienced grass roots sustainable cotton grow-
speak about health issues related to cotton grow-
ing. The tour included industry professional speak-
ing and pesticides. The two full buses of participants
ers, university professors, and discussion facilitators
ranged in backgrounds. There were small-scale
who introduced participants to the growing and
fashion designers, representatives of large clothing
critical field of sustainable fabrics. Current consump-
manufacturers like Banana Republic, representatives
tion of cotton is higher than ever before, with annual
of interior goods companies like Restoration Hard-
demand over 25 million tons. Ten percent of all
ware, fashion students from California College of the
chemical pesticides and 22 percent of all insecticides
Arts and San Francisco State, government officials
go into growing cotton. The World Health Organiza-
from the USDA, journalists, fabric suppliers and more.
tion estimates at least 20,000 farmers die each year
This tour is a powerful way to educate and advocate
from agricultural pesticides. Developing countries
to large apparel companies to switch to better cotton.
withstand the worst of pesticide’s evils, making up 25
These tours have informed large companies which
percent of the world’s pesticide use and experiencing
now use better farming practices and serve as a great
99 percent of pesticide-related deaths. Cotton is re-
tool for educating employees and management
sponsible for the release of at least $2 billion dollars
about the importance of reducing water and chemi-
of chemical pesticide spraying each year, at least
cal use in cotton cultivation and the fashion industry.
$819 million of which is classified as mortally hazardous by the World Health Organization. In India,
19
PROJECTS
cotton is responsible for the release of at least two billion dollars worth of chemical pesticide spraying each year.
20
Online Resource and News Source expanded immensely. The website now provides the most comprehensive critical resources available for producers and consumers, as well as blogs and reporting on the news in ethical fashion. A team of professionals, academics, and writers meticulously update the site, the blogs, and news articles regularly. The fashion industry is not evil. We believe fashion retailers, large apparel companies, producers, and consumers do want to have a positive impact on the world through fashion but, most of the time, lack the technical know-how. Complicating matters further, ethical fashion is not a black and white field. The many sources of available information are often conflicting and difficult to filter and understand. that
helps
single
the opportunity to be educated and empowered to
dyeing, cutting, sewing, finishing, shipping and
make choices that will positively impact the world.
a guide for all types of social and environmental
presence of Global Action Through Fashion has
no
tion and education. This guide provides visitors
tion about fiber production to spinning, weaving,
tion of ethical fashion, information about textiles,
Throughout the course of this first year, the online
is
ing consumers and producers: the lack of informa-
tion supply chain. The resources include informa-
more. This detailed resource outlines the defini-
The Website
There
be fair to people working along the entire produc-
other
consumers,
resource
fashion
available
retailers,
and
manufacturers make educated decisions about fashion. For example, what is the best fiber with which to produce a line of t-shirts? What certifications are available for fair trade supply chains stretching from India to the US? What companies produce ethical blue jeans? GATF’s online resource is the solution. Resources for producers include information about how to reduce their impact on the environment and
certifications, resources for sourcing ethically, and links to other great organizations and companies in the field. Resources for consumers include educational articles about the issues and a guide on how to be an ethical consumer. Many consumers are overwhelmed by what they read about sweatshops and are largely unaware of the environmental impact fashion has on the earth and workers. The website lays it out for them in an understandable way and provides consumers with the information they need to dig deeper and learn more. Also provided is a guide for how consumers can make a positive impact through fashion. This resource covers how to care for your garments (2/3 of the environmental impact of a piece of clothing happens after you buy it!), how to recycle and reconstruct used clothing, and ethical decision-making for shoppers. The news and blog sections cover issues ranging from the real impact of fur and faux fur on animals and the environment to recent apparel labor riots in Bangladesh and related government policies. Also included is the Week in Review that eloquently sums up the top news each week to keep everyone current with the global fashion industry. A team of industry professionals and academics maintains the news section. The online resource guide addresses one of the biggest obstacles fac-
PROJECTS
22
PROJECTS
23
The 25th Street Collective
activists and artists venture through the spaces while
October 5, 2010
dios. This space will house small sustainable fash-
In order to foster a local community of ethical fash-
Dirt. The collective will also provide non-prof-
ion producers, Global Action Through Fashion
it office space in addition to GATF’s office.
co-founded the 25th Street Collective, an Ethical
The mobile walls of the space will permit a spacious
Fashion and Sustainable Business Incubator in
open area for large workshops and events. GATF will
downtown Oakland. Many of the greatest innovations
host workshops at the 25th Street Collective on a
in sustainable design come from small indepen-
regular basis, ranging from ethical fashion reconstruc-
dent designers and recent fashion graduates that
tion, to environmentally friendly dyeing, methods of
have the freedom to risk, to test and to play beyond
evaluating fair trade supply chains and much more.
the limits of the current market. Unfortunately, it
The grand public opening of the space is scheduled
is difficult to establish a small design business and
for April 2011. It is our goal to empower small fashion
it is even harder to sustain one. GATF has teamed
designers to have greater impact and create a repli-
up with Hiroko Hurikara Designs to establish a
cable model for ethical innovation and collaboration.
collective studio space and storefront for small sustainable businesses in the Bay Area. This collective will bea center for ethical fashion design and production, and will provide employment opportunities to many throughout the SF Bay Area. The large, well-lit warehouse space will provide the tools and workspace designers need to support their own sustainable businesses. Part of the space will be a shared commons, including a conference room, a collective sewing space equipped with cutting tables and industrial sewing equipment, a storefront, access to marketing and business services, and a collective set of people with shareable skills and knowledge. The first Friday of every month, the sewing collective will open its doors for the Oakland Art Murmur where thousands of social
providing collective members an opportunity to share their work. Rental space will be available for private workshops in 5x10’, 10x10’, and 20x10’ stuion designers like B Spoke Tailor and Platinum
PROJECTS
University Collaboration The future of the fashion industry is currently in the
university students and academic institutions.
served as judges in the California College of the Arts
classroom, in fashion design and merchandising
GATF energizes students through presentations
sustainability critique for fashion students’ de-
programs around the world. It is vital that students
and lectures on Ethical Fashion, and assists fac-
signs. GATF collaborated with the University of
are empowered and provided with the tools they
ulty to create integrated curriculum on ethical
the Pacific Integrated Development Program to
need to integrate sustainability into their studies and
fashion. GATF also provides students with vol-
create the ethical fashion company database. Pa-
future work. In an ideal 2020, ethical fashion will not
unteer
GATF
cific students researched social entrepreneurship
be a separate class, but it will be an integrative part
provides
recent
in the fashion industry and helped hands-on at
of every class and everyone’s life. GATF promotes
graduates, giving them professional experience and
the First Bay Area Ethical Fashion Night. In the pro-
the innovative designs of students developing the
knowledge in the field. Interns take ownership of
cess, they learned about how fashion can be a so-
field of ethical fashion. The future of ethical fashion
specific projects and give significant creative input.
cial entrepreneurial industry and related it back to
is dependent upon sustainability as an integrated
In 2010, GATF presented at the following Universi-
their studies. SFSU students created an interactive
part of fashion. In order for this to be the case, it must
ties: (i) University of the Pacific, (ii) San Francisco State
educational display at GATF’s First Bay Area Ethical
begin while future fashion designers and industry
University’s (SFSU) Apparel Design Merchandising
Fashion Night that educated and engaged partici-
are in the classroom. GATF works to empower and
program and its Graduate Business program, and (iii)
pants about clothing production around the world.
educate fashion’s future leaders by working with
California College of the Arts (CCA). GATF founders
and
internship
internships
to
opportunities. students
and
Lecture Series and Converences The GATF team lectures on ethical fashion and the role of fashion in making the world a better place. Along with the multiple university lectures, GATF has participated in lecture series and conferences including the Net Impact Lecture series and the Start’s With You (SWU) conference in Sao Paolo Brazil. GATF is an active participant in the Net Impact lecture series. On May 13th, 2010, GATF founders Domenica Peterson and Grant Ennis joined Heather Franzese of Fair Trade USA (formerly TransFair USA) and Meghan Connolly Haupt of C5 Jewelry Company for a panel discussion titled “Ethical Supply Chains in Luxury Goods: Exciting, Green and Fabulous“ in San Francisco. The four speakers discussed sustainable supply chain complexities and the challenges of starting ethical fashion companies. Participants included apparel industry professionals as well as professionals from all industries interested in sustainability. GATF presented at the Starts With You Global Sustainability Symposium in Sao Paolo Brazil the weekend of October 9-11, 2010. At SWU, GATF connected with other specialists, thinkers, politicians, businesspeople and representatives of NGOs to discuss the main themes of sustainability that affect the world in the 21st century. This Concert-Symposium featured 60 high profile bands including Dave Matthews Band, Incubus, Kings of Leon, Linkin Park, Os Mutantes, Pixies, Rage Against the Machine,
Regina
Spektor
and
many
more.
26
PROJECTS
27
Workshops Workshops are essential to creating permanent
growing. Thirty participants created jewelry out
consumer habits. They teach best practices and
of waste, including old electronic waste, yogurt
show how individuals can take action in their own
containers, and old jewelry pieces. The event took
lives. Workshops provide people with the skills
place at Press Club in downtown San Francisco.
and knowledge they need to have a positive im-
On November 20, Domenica Peterson taught a
pact individually and collectively. In 2010, GATF
class for young girls aged 10-14 on Ethical Fashion
conducted two ethical fashion workshops in ad-
in San Francisco. The class began early in the day
dition to our large t-shirt reconstruction event.
with a presentation, videos and a question and an-
These included an ethical fashion jewelry-making
swer session about what ethical fashion means,
course and an ethical fashion workshop for kids.
what the fashion industry is like, and how to be an
At the “How to Make it Eco� ethical jewelry making
ethical fashion consumer. The second part of the day
class, GATF collaborated with Do Good Lab to show
consisted of a trip to purchase environmentally friend-
how global change can be made through local eco
ly fabric and a sewing class in which the girls realized
fashion. Co-founder Domenica Peterson managed
designs they had prepared and illustrated ahead
a recycled jewelry-making workshop on June 26
of time. The purpose of the course was to empower
with proceeds donated to the kids of the Kenyan
people to integrate sustainability into their fashion
non-profit Champions in order to purchase a school
consumption habits from a young age while provid-
building in Nairobi, Kenya. Champions works in
ing them with skills to make their own creations and
Mathare, the oldest slum in Nairobi, second larg-
enabling them to refashion and repair used clothes,
est in Kenya, and with a population of 700,000 and
extending their life and keeping them out of landfills.
FUTURE FOR GLOBAL ACT
29
TION THROUGH FASHION GATF plans to go beyond what we have
College of the Arts will bring together all of the key
accomplished in our first year. We will continue to
local and international actors in ethical fashion. It
host educational lectures and workshops. We are
will be a participant-led conference with plenary
also in discussion with large apparel companies to
and breakout sessions with participant speak-
provide fellowships for recent college graduates
ers. As an outcome of this conference, GATF is
to develop innovation in sustainable design that
drafting an Ethical Fashion State of the Industry
is applicable to large supply chains and retailers.
Report. This document will work to unite the ethical
International Ethical Fashion Conference
fashion
community
through
shared,
documented, best practices and increase in the impact of ethical fashion on society and the environment worldwide.
Ethical Fashion State of the Industry Report This comprehensive document aims to unite the ethical fashion community through sharing documented best practices, increasing the impact of ethical fashion on society and the environment worldwide. It will thoroughly outline the social and environmental challenges and opportunities of the fashion industry exhaustively in a format easily accessible to consum-
This first ever ethical fashion conference in alliance
ers, while staying useful to producers and designers.
with San Francisco State University and California
As a non-profit in a field of for-profit social enterprise
fashion companies, we are the likely and ideal candi-
T-shirt from the ‘89 Steel Wheels tour. We will ask not
date to produce this report. Maintaining an objective
just the young women passing the velvet rope at a
stance on the issues, we have the knowledge, staff, and
trendy club, but also the club’s ladies’ room attendant
expertise to make these documents and others like it
and the valet in the parking lot. The Keith Richards,
centerpieces for the growing field of ethical fashion.
The Prince Charles, The Lady Gaga, and The Oscar de la Renta or personalities of their standing will all
•San Francisco Eco Tuesday
• SF Fashion and Merchants Alliance
• Manymore
Video Series and YouTube Channel
Ethical Fashion Documentary Film, for Release in 2012
be featured. The method is to find clues that take us and what that says about our future. Will we accept
GATF will upload videos on our YouTube channel about
The medium of film enables GATF to educate the larg-
responsibility for the true costs of our clothing choic-
ethical fashion. These will include interviews with those
es? Does it really matter if the clothes we put on our
working in the ethical fashion industry, spotlights on
bodies are made with respect for the people who pro-
leaders, and latest news on innovation in the field.
est audience possible in order to change perceptions about fashion and consumerism. This documentary will positively inspire and empower the fashion industry, consumers, and hopefully governments to take action through fashion and consumerism. This is a culture of fast fashion, where clothing is readily available as something that is cheap, trendy, and disposable. In October 2010, GATF began filming with cinematographer Mark Leibowitz at London and Milan fashion weeks. The film will not only be delightful and exciting for all people to watch, but it will also highlight the realities of the global fashion industry and inspire action to make the world a better place. The framework of the picture is a provocative series of five questions each triggering a chapter of the tale we have to tell. The answers often turn surprisingly serious with personal stories that resonate clearly with the audience. To get a wide range of responses, open ended questions are asked to a broad array of people – from celebrities and top models to men and women on the streets around the world; from workers in garment centers to the CEOs of major corporations. We will ask the rock star, the roadie, and the girl who treasures the
deeper into the mystery of what we wear and why,
duced them and the environment that protects us all? This documentary film is an international exploration
How-To Guides
of how the practice of fashion, on an every-day level, from the most public to the most personal, affects the
On our website, GATF will provide “How To” manu-
globe’s people and its environment. This film speaks
als on ethical fashion written by experts in the field.
to how we see ourselves, how we want to be seen, and what we most desire. The film empowers the audience, making vital connections between what we wear and how fabrics, trims, and clothes are produced. It aims to reveal how each purchase we make affects the lives of others. The film becomes a call to action, portraying the hidden costs of bargain goods and investigating the global supply chain that can lead from exploitation to elegance. It also shows how fresh choices and expanded awareness can result in permanent and substantial impact. Through the lens of fashion, the consumer economy can change for the better of the environment, and humanity.
Presentations and Lectures at international conferences and Lecture Series
Blog, Twitter, and Facebook Our team will actively update our blog, Facebook, and twitter to keep the public in the loop. In 2011, we want to create a community of 5,000 advocates on Facebook interacting with us and telling their story. We will encourage people to come on our Facebook and post a question/comment so the rest of the community and or GATF can post answers.
Technical Assistance Global Action Through Fashion provides technical assistance that the fashion industry can rely on for high- quality information services for improving
labor
and
environmental
practices.
FUTURE
The reality of the fashion industry is that many individual producers in the developing world work long hours under strenuous conditions for pennies on the dollar, far less than a living wage.
32
TEAM
Domenica Peterson, Chief Visionary Officer and Co-founder Domenica’s professional career has focused on using fashion as a tool to solve global problems and she has worked with industry leaders in Fair Trade Fashion. She has led social entrepreneurship organizations, coordinated international aid projects and worked for the U.S. based Fair Trade pioneer TransFairUSA on the first certification standard for Fair Trade apparel and textiles in the US. She worked in London doing public relations for the Fair Trade Fashion label PeopleTree and in Brussels sewing for the couture fashion label NATAN. In addition to GATF, Domenica serves on the SF Global Green Committee and is a contributing writer for Coco Eco Magazine.
33
Grant Ennis, Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder Grant has over 5 years experience working with international nonprofits both in the field and in the U.S. He has a background in youth livelihood development and microfinance and sees ethical fashion as the ideal framework for promoting supply chain consciousness among consumers.
Laura Russell, Research Associate, and UK Representative
England in B.A. Fashion and Textile Management. She met Domenica at People Tree and from there became involved with GATF. Laura’s university thesis explored how mainstream fashion companies in particular could adopt fair trade fashion. Laura enjoys dressmaking and constructing items from recycled materials.
Melissa Hook, Research Associate
Kestrel Jenkins, PR and Research Associate Whether the driving force was language or fashion, Kestrel’s interest in global issues has led her around the world. She worked as a journalist with El Diario Austral in Chile, did PR for People Tree in London and taught English to elementary students in Madrid, Spain. She found all of her interests collide in Fair Trade Fashion, where her energy
Melissa joined Global Action Through Fashion to
and spirit inspire a thirst to understand more and
learn and provide insight on textiles and environ-
more about the field. She has a B.A. from Hamline
mental business consulting. Melissa has worked
University in Global Studies, International Journal-
in the fashion industry as a fashion consultant.
ism, and Spanish. Her blog Make Fashion Fair is fan-
She loves to sew and produce designs made of
tastic. She currently works in NYC at inhabitat.com.
Currently working for a large UK apparel com-
recycled or discarded materials. Melissa graduated fron
pany, Laura’s interest in ethical fashion developed
SF State with Fashion merchandising major and Market-
during her study at Nottingham Trent University,
ing minor with an emphasis in Environmental Studies.
Jo Gruszka, Marketing, and Research Associate Jo’s passion for fashion and desire to impact the world through her work drew her to Global Action Through Fashion. She also works for lo-
ance and feedback. Board members also provide
area and invested recently in the all-organic res-
resource networking and funding opportunities.
taurant Gather Restaurant in downtown Berkeley. He is also involved in a project in Nicaragua helping
Connie Ulasewicz, San Francisco State University
cal SF Bay Area designer Babette and in her free
the rural poor. Through his network and business experience, Morten hopes to add support to the business perspective of Global Action Through Fashion.
time creates collages of others’ stories. Jo gradu-
(Board Chair) Connie Ulasewicz is an Associate Pro-
ated with a BS degree in Apparel Design and
fessor at San Francisco State University in Apparel
Merchandising with a minor in Marketing from
Design and Merchandising. Her research interests
SF State.
include social entrepreneurship, community engaged
Tierra Del Forte is Senior Manager of Business
scholarship and extending the lifecycle of sewn
Development,
Tierra Del Forte, Fair Trade USA Apparel,
and
Textiles
at
Fair
products. She is also co- author of the 2008 book
Trade USA and brings over a decade of apparel
Sustainable Fashion Why Now, and speaks at confer-
industry experience to our board. Tierra spent the
Adele is passionate about art and Japanese culture.
ences and trade shows to spread the word. Connie
early years of her career in New York, working for the
A recent graduate of Ohio State University
has over 25 years of garment industry experience
denim brands Mudd Jeans and Younique Clothing.
with a major in Japanese language and a
managing production, merchandising, and sales.
During this time, Tierra developed an awareness
fine art minor, Adele works as GATFs Graphic
She is a founding member of ESRAB, Educators for
of the destructive impact that the apparel indus-
Designer. She is also an amazing seamstress
Social Responsibility in Apparel, and people Wear
try has on the environment and the people who
and plays a key role in assisting at our events.
SF, a Bay Area non-profit sewn product industry as-
make the clothes. This awareness motivated her to
sociation. Dr. Ulasewicz earned her BS in Education/
launch Del Forte Denim Inc. — a line of premium
Clothing and Textiles at Syracuse University, her MS in
denim made from 100% certified organic cotton and
Historic Textiles at the University of Maryland, and
produced under ethical conditions in the USA. In 2009,
her PhD in Human Development at Fielding Graduate
Tierra joined Fair Trade USA to help launch the Fair
University.
Trade CertifiedTM Apparel and Linens pilot program.
Adele Reeves, Graphic Designer
Advisory Board Under the inspired leadership of Board Chair Connie
Ulasewicz,
the
five-member
professional
Advisory Board is truly a force to be reckoned with. Our board members provide time, talent
Morten Simonsen, Entrepreneur
and treasure to GATF’s program and operations.
Antony Waller, People Tree
Morten Simonsen earned his MSc in Trond-
Anthony started at Paul Smith, and has since
The uniqueness of this board, whose experience
heim,
MBA
worked at D&G, the Ben Sherman account and is
ranges from academia to business to international
from Denver University in 1982. After working in
currently Head of Press at the London office of
development to fashion design and beyond, sets
the shipping business in Norway and USA for 25
People Tree. Antony knows how to make ethical
us apart and provides us with invaluable guid-
years, he moved to the SF Bay area in 2006. Morten
fashion mainstream, successful, in turn improve the
now works with several start-up companies in the
lives of producers, and protect the environment.
Norway
before
completing
his
TEAM Antony earned his Fashion PR degree from London College of Fashion and brings over 10 years experience of high fashion, high street fashion, and ethical fashion.
Lynda Grose, Designer, Consultant, and Educator, California College of the Arts Lynda Grose has been working on sustainability in fashion for 20 years. She cofounded ESPRIT’s e-collection line, launched in 1992. This line was the first ecologically responsible clothing line marketed internationally by a major corporation. As a practicing designer, consultant, and educator, Lynda now works in a range of capacities from advising farmers and artisans, to private companies and NGO’s. Lynda has been teaching sustainability in fashion for ten years. She developed the groundbreaking curricula for Fashion Design Sustainability at California College of the Arts (CCA) and currently serves as Assistant Professor in CCA’s fashion design program. Lynda’s is a contributing author to Sustainable Textiles, Woodhouse Publishing and is currently co-authoring the book Fashion Sustainability Incubator, with Laurence King Publishers. A frequent speaker at trade conferences, colleges and museums internationally, Lynda was identified by London’s Financial Times as one of their ‘green power brokers’. She is most passionate about embracing sustainability as the core of innovation and the potential of design to bring form to a sustainable society.
36
FINANCES
37
In 2010, year one, $19,570.85 was raised.
48
%
22
15 % %
22%
48%
or $4,250 went to payroll.
4%
6%
4%
4% 4% or $875 went to or $771 went to
6%
or $1,206 went to transportation.
meetings.
legal fees.
15%
or $2,972 went to rent.
or $9,314 went to projects. Global Action Through Fashion Spending
With the support of donors like you, we hope to fundraise over $100,000 more in 2011 in order expand our programs, pay program associates, directors, and positively impact the environment and the lives of workers around the world on a greater scale. as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, donations to GATF are tax deductible.
Become a partner of Global Action Through Fashion. Become a member of our advisory board and join an exceptional group of people in enabling our work to scale!
2011
• Connect us with the fashion community
• Connect us with the philanthropicdonor
community • Connect us with the international devel
growth of ethical fashion. Millions of people — from garment workers in the developing world to local US industry — will share the benefits. As an official 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, donations to GATF are tax deductible. Here are some of the ways you can give to the future of Ethical Fashion:
Annual Sponsor
opment community and more
Volunteer
•Become a full-time writer for GATF
working our publications, research,
news or blogs
• Become anon-call program volunteer for
our 1-3 day conferences and workshops
Sponsor GATF is the leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing educational and informational assistance to fashion consumers, manufacturers, and companies in the United States, but we do not work alone. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the partnership of a vision-
39
ary community of donors who give to support the
•$25,000 and up - Platinum Sponsors
• $10,000 and up-GoldSponsors
• $5,000 and up-SilverSponsors
• $1,000 and up-BronzeSponsors
• $100 and up - Friend Sponsors
To learn more about sponsorship benefits visit our website
at
www.globalactionthroughfashion.org.
Become a Project Sponsor
Project Sponsor $100,000 - Help us grow this year. This number includes all of the operating costs for our organization for one year. $10,000 - Bring the industry together in the same room for the first time and take action to create a unified movement to make the
fashion industry better. This money will go toward our international conference, aimed for Fall 2011. $5,000 - Support the Bay Area’s largest and most fun Ethical Fashion experience. Be the sponsor of our 2011 Bay Area Ethical Fashion Night. $4,000 - Sponsor a space for us to do our work and host workshops and lectures.
40
We are extremely grateful to the following donors, advisors, staff members, and volunteers who helped us accomplish so much this year.
41
ALLIES
25th Street Collective
Friends of Hue Foundation
Melissa Pongtratic Meredith
Tatyana Dorokhova
Academy of Art University
Global Center for Social
Willa Michael Barlow Michele
Teens Turning Green
Adina Energy Beverages
Entrepreneurship
Gates and Fashionbla Fun
TempleBar
Adria Peterson
Geraldine Rushton
Michelle Forshner
The Designer Lab
Aida Peterson
Gitika Mohta
Najia Khan
The Hub SoMa
Alex Simonsen
Green by Design
Naomi Feger
The Ki
Alter Eco
Hub Bay Area
Neil Goetz
The UpToYouToo Foundation
Andrea Cesar
Hunter Tanaous
Net Impact
Tony Glorioso and Brand 46
Blank Verse Jewelry
Indigenous Designs
Nila Salinas
University of the Pacific
Bonnie Greenberg
James Pollard
Oak and Co
Vagadu
Bonnie Loyd Branch
James Toney III
PACT Underwear
VeeV
California College of the Arts
Janet Labberton
Peery Foundation
Vie PR and Showrooms
Caitlin Bristol
Jean-Marie Stratigos
Peter Labberton
Vishaka Henrietta
Caroline Fantozzi
Jeffrey Perlstein
Platinum Dirt
Whitney Ferris
Casey Mixter
Jennifer Biringer
Rainforest Eco
William Reeves
Catarina Bronstein
Jerry Hildebrand
Raphael Peterson
Catherine Markman
Jessica Welborn
Raub Foundation
Celestyna Brozek
John Ruszel
Rex Righetti
Charles Raub
Josh Friedman
Rickshaw Bagworks
Christina Espinosa
Joy Mackay
Robert Reynolds
Christine Hilberg
Kathryn Tanis
Rowena Ritchie
Christy Gerhart
Kirk E. Peterson & Associates
Ruth Vitale
Coco Eco Magazine
Kirk Cruikshank
San Francisco State University
Cordes Foundation
Kudra Kalema
Sallumeh Torabian
David and Susan Fetcho
Lane Becker
Schauleh Sahba
Debbie Berryhill
Laura Lambrecht
SF Indie Fashion
Diane Lerman
Lessa Manott
Sherry Koyama
Dorothy Compeau
Linda Loudermilk
Spencer Ton
Earthsite
Love Culture
Sarah Guldenbrein & House
Eco Citizen
Mannequin Madness
Stacy Scott Catering
Eco Salon
Marco vangelisti
Stewart + Brown
Ecofabulous Escama
Mark Leibowitz Pictures
Stockton 2020
Studio Fairhills Wine
Mate Veza
Stu Newton
Fair Trade USA
Medium Reality
SWU (Starts With You)
DONATE AND GET INVOLVED
as a 501(c)(3) non-profIt organization, donations to Global Action Through Fashion are tax deductIble. make checks out to: Global Action Through Fashion 5253 College Ave. Oakland, CA 94618 (510) 693-5453 www.globalactionthroughfashion.org