On July 7th during the AltaRoma fashion week, there was an interesting event entitled Itc (ethical fashion initiative) & AltaRoma bring Africa to Rome. Four designers presented their collections, which were entirely manufactured in Africa. Other famous designers like Vivianne Westwood, Stella McCartney, Ilaria Fendi Venturini had already manufactured their fashion garments in Africa. This idea has already provided jobs to more 7,000 African artisans, mostly women, and it is probably one of the best way to help these communities.

Ethical Fashion’s aim is to stimulate production and promote ethical consumption to help reduce the levels of extreme poverty in disadvantaged communities of the Third World.

During the presentation of this event two words captured my attention: NOT CHARITY BUT WORK.

The catwalk collection S/S 2014 presented there were by:

CHRISTIE BROWN :  is a Ghanaian based luxury women’s fashion brand that aims is to satisfy the stylish urge of “that modern woman who seeks a true taste of Africa”.

KIKI CLOTHING: specializes in unique ethnic designs for children and adults, merging vibrant colours, Afro-centric prints and easy wearable styles that are smart, organic and playful.

PORTENIER ROTH : Swiss duo who define their fashion as Gegenkonzept.

STELLA JEAN: a special élan distinguishes this young designer born in Rome of Caribbean origins, who brings to fashion what fashion has taught her.

Credits: photos by Luca Sorrentino

For more info visit www.intracen.org/exporters/ethical-fashion/ and www.altaroma.it/?lang=en