Emma has collaborated with People Tree on a new collection for the fair trade brand for Spring/Summer 2011.
“I didn't feel that there was a huge amount of clothes out there that are Fair Trade and organic and it's so great to give people the choice to wear something that makes the world a better place, to wear clothing that does some good. Clothes are fabulous and can transform the way someone feels about themselves and you can transform someone's life at the same time, which is a pretty amazing thing to do.” said Emma.
"I wanted to help People Tree produce a younger range because I was excited by the idea of using fashion as a tool to alleviate poverty and knew it was something I could help make a difference with." Emma
"I think young people like me are becoming increasingly aware of the humanitarian and environmental issues surrounding fast fashion and want to make good choices but there aren’t many options out there.” Emma
"I designed this collection last year after I'd started university in the US. Safia, People Tree's Founder, and Misato, People Tree's designer, came out to work with me in Rhode Island. Together we decided on all the colours, fabrics, shapes and craft skills. Most of all, we took care to design a really wearable collection that truly celebrates the traditional skills of People Tree's Fair Trade groups around the world." Emma
"It was an incredible and life-changing experience – I really wish everyone had the chance to see the difference Fair Trade makes with their own eyes! Fair Trade fashion comes from the villages – and provides a real alternative to working in a garment factory and the harsh environment of living in a slum. Fair Trade fashion is often completely handmade – and made of 100% natural and organic cotton – and it's a small miracle that we as consumers can participate in a process that is keeping skills and communities alive and helping them to prosper." Emma