<>Can paying more for designer clothing really be socially responsible? By Beauty and Brains
Is everyone jumping on the bandwagon to help Africa? If so that would be great because it sounds like certain parts of Africa really do need our help. Uganda, Darfur, the Sudan, But is it better to send $100 to a relief agency and hope the money arrives to truly aid the needy instead of ending up as a stolen coffer or some corrupt official? Or is it better to use our own enterprise and free market business as a way to funnel aid?
NOIR designers in Denmark think they can help the needy in Uganda by buying and processing raw cotton from that country and using it (Illuminati II cotton) to create great fashion. To see examples of their work check out these runway shots
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http://www.denmarkfashion.com/Newsletter_November.7320.0.html
The owners of this brand hope to give back to the world a portion of their industy prosperity.
http://models.com/oftheminute/?p=977 I generally applaud any kind of social responsibility but some of the Noir intentions seem ludicrous...especially when we get to the whip and leather undergarments! Maybe that is taking owner Peter Ingwersen’s “In darkness all colors agree” motto a little too far. Keep the leather whips out of anything to do with Africa, justice, and social discussion please. TACKY.
On another more positive note, NOIR is also developing models in Africa who showcase the best looks on that continent. http://www.noirmodelssa.com/home.htm Let’s hope this social fashion experiment goes well and many will benefit from the project. I am hoping for the best. Fashion does need more industry leaders who develop concrete ideas to help the third world to help themselves. Even if a handful of society girls buy these items, it can help commerce in Uganda a little bit. Since I only buy my NOIR on ebay right now instead of paying full retail, I will just send my fashion budget savings to the Ugandan relief money via the Red Cross.
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Jen
