We’re smack bang in the middle of Fairtrade Fortnight 2011 (28th February – 13th March) and Bristol is doing its bit by hosting the Fairwear Fashion Show this Saturday. Ethical fashion has been on my radar this week as readers of my Labour Behind the Label post will know, so I’m delighted to preview the Fairwear show for this week’s SFTW.
Since it’s inception two years ago, the Fairwear Fashion Show has showcased the best Fairtrade retailers and designers this city, and indeed country, has to offer and this year it moves from Bristol Cathedral to the Galleries in Broadmead. Ex Hollyoaks actor, Fairtrade campaigner and Bristol resident James Redmond will be presently the catwalk shows and the event, hosted by the Bristol Fairtrade Network, will also exhibit designs by UWE Fashion students. There will be three catwalk shows throughout the day as well as plenty of local Fairtrade beauty and fashion retailers, including Lush, Shared Earth and The Body Shop.
Speaking ahead of this year’s show, Bristol Fairtrade Co-ordinator Jenny Foster told Ship-Shape, “Fairwear 2011 will be an exciting event showing that Fairtrade and ethical clothing and accessories can be affordable and beautiful, as well as providing a fair deal for farmers and the environment.” This is the second year I’ll be missing out as I’m off to London for the weekend but if you get a chance to pop down let me know what you think and look out for other Fairtrade Fortnight events across the city.
The Fairwear Fashion Show is free and catwalk shows take place at 12.30, 2pm and 3pm so there is no excuse to go down and catch a show – there will be plenty of fashion and beauty samples and goodies to enjoy too. For more information about the event click here or visit the Fairwear Facebook page.