The designers at Ricefield Collective push boundaries not only when it comes to their social enterprise model, but also in our passion for design. "We’re inspired by the landscape and the motifs of Ifugao, but are always striving for new interpretations and inspirations." Read our below interview with Meredith Ramirez Talusan, director of Ricefield Collective. What inspired your brand mission?
I was doing fieldwork among the indigenous people of Ifugao when I learned that many of them were abandoning their land because there were no jobs in their area. That was what inspired me to begin teaching them out to knit and reach out to knitwear designers and other friends to help form Ricefield Collective. What have been the greatest challenges? We're at a critical point in our growth as we transition from a Kickstarter project to a full-fledged company. There have been many challenges, but the biggest one probably is being able to reach as many people as possible because we don't have the kind of marketing and advertising budgets as big brands. What have been the greatest rewards? Being able to produce quality designs while helping people lead sustainable lives. There have been many individual stories about us helping our knitters but the one that has touched me most recently was that of Lina, who has five children and was seriously thinking of going to Hong Kong as a domestic worker so that she can send money to her family, even though the recruiters charge up to a year's salary to process her papers. Because of Ricefield, she is able to stay with her community and family, and that's something that makes us both proud and happy. What life experiences have shaped who you are? I grew up in the Philippines then moved to the United States at 15. I've been fortunate to receive the benefits of a university education after moving, and being able to use whatever skills I have for the benefit of others is extremely satisfying to me. Who do you admire and respect? So many people. RecentLy, I've been bowled over by two entrepreneurs. The first is Leila Janah from Samasource and the newly formed Sama Group, who uses lean startup methods to impact a large number of people. I've also been deeply impressed with Nathan Rothstein, the CEO of Project Repat, which recycles T-shirts into blankets. His transparency and candor as he discusses his business is so insightful and refreshing. Finally, there's Reese Fernandez-Ruiz of Rags2Riches, a company that works with craftspeople in the slums of Manila to make amazing handbags. What advise would you give aspiring Eco-Entrepreneurs of tomorrow? Strive to maintain your ideals, but prepare to compromise. For more information visit: http://ricefield.co Photo: Courtesy of Tan Wei Ming
Ethnic Cultures and Ethical Fashion While more and more popular in the US, ethical fashion is still pretty unknown in a lot of countries. Many people believe that this business model is unrealistic as the only possible bottom line is profit. It’s sad because the rest of the world represents a huge potential for supporters of ethical fashion. It will take time for many countries to get used to the idea of ethical business. And certainly customers will not buy something expensive just because it will help somebody. That’s why the responsibility of ethical products is to become popular and available to the general public. For years women in less developed countries have been influenced by western style, and have tried to look "western". The traditional folk costumes were neglected and looked down upon as something outdated. What designers can do is create a new interpretation, an eclectic mix of traditional costume that is modern and comfortable. Clothing that brings freshness and starts an interest in the culture. This is also a way for ethical fashion to rediscover ethnic cultures and recognize diversity. The good thing is that as a fashion designer you don’t have to travel to a remote country to find ethnic artisans. There are a plenty of them among immigrant and refugee women in your country. By engaging these women and providing opportunities to your own local community you have a chance to improve the lives of thousands of marginalized women. Employment at ethical businesses provides obvious benefits to marginalized women: a chance to start a new life, safe working conditions, escape from poverty, healing through creative work, access to community support and mentors. More importantly though, these women will see that it’s possible to run a profitable business that values creating social good. Some women might even want to learn to start and operate an ethical business themselves using social entrepreneurship to solve problems in their community. Creating communities of successful immigrant women in your country might really help women from remote countries. Check out these Vietnamese and Somalian communities who raise awareness about problems in their home countries and solve them. The work of such communities is really important because they also improve the image of people from their home country. Successful minority and immigrant women are also a source of inspiration for millions of young women who are struggling to figure out their identity. As I live abroad I constantly hear negative comments about Russian women. Some time ago I stumbled upon this article where Russia was ranked second after China among countries who don't deal with the problem of human trafficking. The reason why it was happening is a horrible economic situation that women were in. And that also hurt the national identity of millions of women. All these women need is hope and a role model to look up to - a woman who is accomplished thanks to social entrepreneurship which is what ethical fashion is about. Galina Belyaeva, creator of "Inspiration and Resources for Immigrant women" ![]() I recently had the pleasure of meeting Natalie Mundy who introduced me to the beautiful hand spun silk scarves made by Federation SAHALANDY. Located in a tiny mountain town in Madagascar, Sandrandahy, is made up of 7 silk/cotton weaving co-operatives and associations. Natalie first started working with Sahalandy through a volunteer project with the UN. However when her official duties in Madagascar were complete, her life had changed and although back in the US she has continued her work helping to spread the word about this amazing project of hope and empowerment. Each scarf is made of naturally dyed, hand-spun raw silk. The natural colors are subtle and sophisticated, and the unique weavings make each piece true one of a kind luxury. Meet Natalie and experience the beauty of the Sahalandy collection this holiday season at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market from Nov.28-Dec.24, daily from 10-8 pm. If you're interested in learning more about Sahalandy or volunteering with Natalie, contact [email protected] www.sahalandy.org |
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