Fashion Ethical Initiative in Africa - Rewarding or Exploiting?

One of my fav eyeglass Designers Karen Walker teamed up with Kenyan artisans (East Africa) to produce these Fab sunglasses as part of her Spring 14 collection called ‘Visible’.

Through the ITC Ethical Fashion Initiative, Designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Sass & Bide have partnered with locals in Africa to produce items such as handbags, jewelry etc.

Providing jobs for the locals in these countries in Africa is rewarding as its a step out of poverty for many however if a pair of Karen Walker sunglass’s are retailing for $349 how much are these locals really pocketing??? In the case of jewelry these highly skilled individuals who know nothing about using the latest technology to make necklaces use their God gifted hands to make the most intricate designs one could think of. If you have been to any part of Africa and purchased an item its really fascinating to see how impeccable there handmade products are.

The initiative is genius however as humans we need to be fair. Indeed as a business owner the drive is to be profitable. I hope these talented artisans are getting paid whats due to them. Giving them $20 and taking pictures with the locals to promote your product is unethical. I am sure these Designers are fair and the ITC initiative pushes for greater standards.