Sass & Bide’s Ethical Fashion Adventure

Sass & Bide’s Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton have recently visited Africa as part of the Ethical Fashion Initiative – a joint body of the United Nations and World Trade Organization. The girls are one of the many fashion elites including Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood and Ilaria Venturini Fendi who are committing themselves to the EFI – in a project that empowers the women in Africa’s developing communities.

The EFI organisation does not run as a charity, but as a positive link between fashion and poverty. Their ambition is to create work for African women who are artisans; and provide ongoing training and fair wages. By doing this, women can then improve the living circumstances for their families by providing shelter, feeding, education and health. More importantly it gives each individual woman a chance to grow confidence and gain respect in her work. The project connects 7,000 artisans and fashion partners across the world.

S&B have created a limited-edition tote and clutch, produced from sustainable sourced materials that were then crafted by local African artisans. On their recent blog post Heidi Middleton says ‘the craftswomen we met are among the most talented in the world. There is a real truth, tradition and honesty about their work’.

The tribal pieces exclusive to S&B are fashionable, yet there’s no better feeling knowing that each individual piece is unique in its detail. You can shop the The Heading North tote – RRP $290, and On Your Marks clutch, RRP $190 at Sass & Bide boutiques or online at www.sassandbide.com.