Socially responsible designers are an increasing trend in the fashion playing field. Entrepreneurship is no longer about making a quick buck and rapid expansion but for many is moulding into ethical and sustainable practices. There are a fast amount of initiative giving work to underprivileged, skilled third world artisans but few break into the competitive world of consumer fashion.
Della has done just that, developing a socially responsible fashion line working directly with communities in, Hohoe, Ghana. All the textiles are sourced from the Volta region of west Africa and products sewn by a community of skilled seamstresses. Della aims to give the employees working on their products the opportunity for education, work and raining that is scarce in the region. Many of the women begin illiterate or with a primary school level of reading so dells provided literacy workshops weekly with the aim of eventually empowering women to leve with a high school level certification. Training includes micro financing, saving, entrepreneurship classes and an employee saving account which della adds 10% to every deposit made. Such simple commodities as basic saving’s accounts which we may take for granted are very much a new concept to this evolving generation of Ghanaian employees. They will now be able to save for homes or to fund future education or anything they may wish to pursue.
Della operate under the motto “Carry Change”, all of Della’s products are made by hand from completely vegan and sustainable materials. Creative director and founder of the company Tina Tangalakis emphasises the message that “Through supporting Della, you are directly helping the women achieve economic independence and support their children,”. This community message is passing through the Della employees who are not afraid to give back either running a weekly seeing class at the local orphanage empowering the next generation by passing on their skill set.
Della is the latest collaboration with Urban Outfitters US featuring eight styles crafted in the same factory as mainline Della products. The range is affordably priced starting at $24 and up to $69, consisting of key item for this summer season. We love the super cute printed shorts and the tran-seasonal bomber jackets. For the accessories hoarders out there there’s a woven head wrap, iPad case and super desirable backpack. With African inspired textiles being a key trend for this fashion season treat yourself to some sustainable summer fashion.
The range is available at online at Urban Outfitters US site http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/search.jsp?q=Della
