New on THE KINDCRAFT
"No One Told Us We Were Artists"
Our new interview with Zapotec weaver Porfirio Gutierrez is filled with incredible insights about indigenous crafts and how his tradition connects to the growing global call for naturally-made products. With stunning photography by Emalese Russell... be sure to check it out!
Sponsored Link
Job Opportunities at Ock Pop Tok!
Want to live in Southeast Asia and work with an artisan-based social enterprise? Now is your chance! Based in beautiful Luang Prabang, Laos, Ock Pop Tok ("East meets West") brings people together through textiles in order to exchange knowledge and ideas. Founded in 2000, the project has grown to include two shops in the historic district and a Living Crafts Centre on the banks of the Mekong River. Click here to learn more about Ock Pop Tok and these exciting opportunities!
Product Spotlight
Summer Sale!
The sun is out... and so are the deals! Bandanas, tote bags, ceramics — some of our most popular items at unbeatable prices. Supplies are limited, so get yours before they're gone!
Culture
Mexico accuses designer Carolina Herrera of cultural appropriation
Lauren's Instagram post about Carolina Herrera's "cultural appropriation" controversy seemed to strike a chord with many of our readers. If you're interested in learning more, The Guardian's Sam Jones has a good summary
‘What We Carry in the Flesh’: The Majestic Bodies of Simone Leigh
From the High Line Plinth to the Whitney Biennial and the Guggenheim, the artist’s sculptures celebrate the architecture of the Black female body (Via Frieze).
Design
News for Design Lovers
- Circular economy champion Ellen MacArthur has called on designers to help transform the global economy along sustainable lines.
- Two examples of footwear designs built around environmental concern — A plant-based option by Native Shoes and Adidas trainers made from recycled ocean plastic.
- Euronews with an explainer about Tencel, a sustainable fabric gaining a lot of traction among mass-market apparel manufacturers.
- If you're a designer or fashion researcher, you should take a moment to read through the Union of Concerned Researchers in Fashion website.
Recommended Resource
Fashion's Future: The Sustainable Development Goals
This free online course looks at how fashion supply chains work, the importance of responsible production and consumption, and how the fashion industry can have a more positive impact for people and planet.
Traditional Arts
Natural Dye Trifecta
To coincide with our profile of the Gutierrez family studio, here are three stories selected especially for all you natural dye lovers!
Business + Entrepreneurship
What We've Been Reading...
- Move over ‘Made in China’. It’s ‘Made in Bangladesh’ era now
- The Lagos entrepreneurs championing recycling as a way of life
- Vogue's Bridget Read on Eileen Fisher — "The Cult of Eileen Fisher Is Recruiting Millennials"
- Two articles demonstrate mixed results for Nike's CSR efforts — Nike cancels new shoe in row over Panama motif and Nike Launches Sustainable Guideline for Fashion Brands and Consumers
- An issue many brands would like to ignore — Western Companies Get Tangled in China’s Muslim Clampdown
Sustainability + Labor
What We've Been Reading...
- Interesting idea by Seattle's Girlfriend Collective — Selling a Microfiber Filter for your washing machine to mitigate the pollution their clothes might add to that problem;
- Japan wants to become Southeast Asia’s trash manager
- Why The Circular Economy Will Not Fix Fashion's Sustainability Problem
- Levi's found a way to make hemp feel like cotton, and it could have big implications for your wardrobe
- From no recycling to zero waste: how Ljubljana rethought its rubbish
- Stella McCartney and Google are bringing sustainability to fashion
- From the auto world — Tesla Model 3 and Model Y go fully vegan next year
Wrapping Up / Looking Ahead
🌞 Sunny Greetings from California!
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