About the Ethical Fashion Academy
The Ethical Fashion Academy is dedicated to inspiring designers and consumers to make conscious choices towards a better future for all.
Founder, Francisca Pineda, is a graduate of Parsons School of Design. Born in Costa Rica, and based in New York, she is an award winning fashion designer with over 15 years of experience designing apparel and accessories in New York City. As creative director of New York based accessory brand BHAVA, she is an advocate for ethical practices in the fashion industry. Francisca launched the Ethical Fashion Academy in 2012, a community focused initiative that organizes educational events in New York City featuring industry leaders and a yearly hands-on educational Sustainable Design Workshop in Costa Rica. As an adjunct professor of sustainable design in New York's prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology she is passionate about inspiring the next generation of designers and entrepreneurs to incorporate a holistic approach to sustainability, embracing cultural, environmental, and spiritual restoration. |
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Why the Ethical Fashion Academy?
Just a few years ago I had no idea that fashion could be ethical. I was a typical New York designer, I loved my yoga, ate organic food, and had what I thought was a "health conscious life". I never considered the clothes that I wore and the product that I designed. I had no idea that fashion could be ethical or sustainable, it's simply something that never crossed my mind. It really wasn't until I saw an MSDS (manufacturer's safety data sheet) for the very product I had been designing for years that I realized I was working with very toxic and hazardous chemicals. It's not fair to the workers that barely make a living wage to be exposed to these chemicals, (many of whom are women of child bearing age) and its also not fair to the unknowing consumer who is bringing this product into their home. I started to become very interested in the effects of manufacturing on our environment, and of course, us. I quickly became obsessed with learning as much as possible. I enrolled in FIT's Sustainable Design Entrepreneur program and these courses were life changing for me, there was no going back. I felt that like me, most people simply don't realize the effects of our decisions as designers and consumers. I also noticed pretty quickly that most people don't like to be preached to about their daily lifestyle habits, so I knew my message had to be delivered with a more positive and constructive focus. Less complaining and more solution oriented. I decided to start the Ethical Fashion Academy with the objective to help build a community and awareness of the many aspects of Ethical Fashion. I believe in focusing mostly on the positive changes that are taking place. If a designer is committed to using eco-conscious materials, local manufacturing, or employing artisans to preserve endangered crafts, this is something consumers should know about and take into consideration when voting with their dollars. I welcome you to participate in our free events, hands on workshops, or even just by checking out what we're up to on our blog or facebook. Please feel free to e-mail me with any topics you'd like to see addressed at our events, let's collaborate!
Yours truly,
Francisca
info@ethicalfashionacademy.com
Yours truly,
Francisca
info@ethicalfashionacademy.com