Maybe it’s the weather (aka grey and wet) but I’m compelled to write about another label hailing out of the UK. Last week, WGSN—the leading style and trend forecast outfit—held the inaugural Global Fashion Awards in New York. Alongside illustrious company like Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz (Most Influential Designer, Womenswear), Thom Browne (Most Influential Designer, Menswear) and Nicholas Kirkwood (Most Influential Designer, Footwear and Accessories), there was People Tree—winner of Most Sustainable Brand or Retailer.
That the awards chose to recognise sustainability as one of the 19 categories is wonderful and as the awards grow in coming years, hopefully so will the significance of the award. I note that one major British fashion mag’s website reported on the awards but not People Tree’s win… surely a notable achievement for a British label up against global competitors? It would be a shame for mainstream media to treat this award as the fashion equivalent of the Best Sound Effect in a Foreign Film Oscar (ie. not worth reporting).
But don’t let that micro-rant detract from People Tree’s win. The label goes beyond simply paying a fair price to producers—over five years, they have built up a network of 50 fair trade groups in 15 countries to develop jobs in places that desperately need it. They’ve got a collective of something like 3,000 organic farmers and artisans producing their collections, designed in the UK and Japan.
You may recall the news earlier this year that a pre-pixie crop Emma Watson (below) was trying her hand at fashion design—her Love From Emma capsule range is part of the People Tree project and helping to bring the brand deserved exposure.
Congratulations to People Tree founder Safia Minney and her legion of craftspeople and supporters.
People Tree is not currently stocked in Australia or NZ, but it’s the 21st Century, so take a peek at the online store. The label has apparel and accessories for men, women, kids and babies.
- Emma Watson 4 People Tree SS11
- Emma 4 Alberta
- Song For The Mute wins @ LMFF
- LMFF Designer Award nominees
- First Look: Pure Threads by Emma Watson
