Offer start of haute couture safari to a sustainable income for African workers

  Fashion has always had its philanthropists but Sydney label Sass & Bide has brought support for a new level by. Slums of Nairobi

"That's not love," said Heidi Middleton, half of the design duo behind the brand. "This is a commercially viable business model that benefits both parties. Instead of falling into the lives of these women and leave, we can provide sustainable support for their families on an ongoing basis.''

Middleton and Sarah Jane Clarke partners joined the Ethical Fashion initiative of the International Trade Centre, a global program run by the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. The initiative connects fashion brands with qualified workers in East Africa. It is aimed at a predominantly female workforce with sustainable employment, fair wages and training to offer.

Some of the most influential names in the global industry have embraced the concept of poverty through the production of luxury fashion, including Stella McCartney in the United Kingdom and Italy Ilaria Venturini Fendi program.

Long-term support makes ethics Vivienne Westwood is in its third season of production in Ghana and Kenya.

Simone Cipriani, who heads the project for the United Nations, sees no contradiction between the working poor and high-end fashion.

"I believe in the alchemy of fashion, luxury establishment in the slums", Cipriani, who heads the project for the United Nations said. "What is the relationship between a Masai woman beggar and a handbag? There is brands like Sass & Bide.''

The EFI imposes a strict code of ethics, including decent wages and security for workers 7000, which is designed to prevent tragedies such as the recent disaster in Bangladesh garment factory that killed 1,127 people.

"We all know what happens when fashion takes place in a box with no windows and a locked door," Cipriani said. "Fashion should never besomething to die."

Middleton and Clarke worked alongside women in the African region to better understand the materials and methods used by the workers. "Nothing can prepare you for the poverty of Nairobi," Middleton said. "It took me at least two months to recover emotionally from the experience, but he cemented our commitment to make changes.''

The first co handbags limited edition good results. The next collection, which goes on sale in October, a further movement in the accessories with the skills of African workers, screen printers and beaders accuracy.

Ethical fashion is a little idealistic concept that is difficult to regulate. While some consumers are increasingly aware of their spending habits in the market is still nests in terms of sales. But Sass & Bide expansion plans in Africa.

"We firmly believe that fashion should be more accurate,'' David Briskin, CEO, Sass & Bide, said." In our market area, ethical production is quite feasible. This is a further end, where it will be the cheapest, that the real challenges remain.''

Sass & Bide produced mainly in Australia and China - and not in Bangladesh - and at the same time global actions. The label produces two ready-to-wear, accessories, lingerie and sunglasses on several suppliers.

"Kenya is geographically difficult, and Raw Materials is limited," Briskin said.

"We had to make sure that the margins are in line with our other contractors to make it a success and we achieved.''