Shopping sustainably and ethically is a relatively new conversation within the fashion industry. A year ago not many were aware about the mistreatment of workers in the textile industry. Fortunately, with many individuals pushing towards transparency, companies have been exposed of their unethical practices. I became interested in the conversation when I discovered the work of Hoda Katebi.
By Alia Ansari
Student Bachelor of Arts in International Studies DePaul University
When on the go, most of us have a "go to" style of handbag we end up using time and time again, in spite of owning many more. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, if that "go to" style is comfortable, versatile and fashion forward. The problem is most of us stop at comfortable and tend to ignore the other two!! We end up looking exactly the same every day, unintentionally sporting a "uniform" and loosing all sense of style.
Here is where I'd like to introduce the Wayúu Mochila.
Ahhh... the holidays! Whimsical time for family, great food, reunion, a touch of magic and lots of love. And with them, holiday shopping!
Depending on where we live in the world and which culture we adhere to (as well as your budget), your gift giving list can be as short as one or as long as every human being you have crossed paths with for the last 5 years. Even for anti-shopping personalities, the task doesn't have to be daunting and we can help the world we live in by giving sustainable gifts! So, where to start?
Traditions past down from generations are valued in all cultures, families and ethnicities. Most of us value that which identify us as part of a group, with deep roots to plant ourselves to the world and relate to. Being Colombian, but specially "costeña" or from the Caribbean coast, I grew up very close to a few indigenous tribes like the Aruhacos and the Wayuu. Those are only two of the over 100 tribes in Colombia alone. Being able to work directly with the Wayuu I feel a strong sense of responsibility in bringing awareness to how our products are made, not only in technique but also the human artisan behind them. Here is the story of how a rough journey...
Handbags, a very personal choice...
Hi guys! welcome to the very first post from "The SUSU Gal"! I am super excited to start this new chapter with all of you!
Working with SUSU and making sustainable choices has been a journey that it's not always easy but never fails to be rewarding! and yes, you guessed it, I love handbags! and even more when they are ethically made. But, if you had to choose one, which one to go with?
