Written on December 16, 2009 at 3:02 am, by merely
The room was filled with anticipation as people started coming into the doors of Ackerman Grand Ballroom on UCLA’s campus. From the backstage AVEDA hair+make up team, to the models, all of production team, volunteers and staff were ready to make this event a success. And it was. The models strutted their stuff as they blended in the backdrop of music most appropriate for the lines. With a combined total of over $6,000 in non-profit organization / fair-trade company profits that night, we’ve helped more people than expected! Thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, volunteers and supporters! If you would like to read an in-depth report on the night, feel free to visit the Media/Press section and read an article or watch a video on what happened.
You can also watch it here you weren’t able to attend:
Here are some pictures for your enjoyment:
(Photo credit: Eileen Liu)
Also, don’t forget to support our partner organizations by making a purchase!
After all, without them, this show could not have happened. Look through our partner page for brands and names! Have a Merry Christmas and a happy holidays to you all!
David Phongsa, Ginger Ying, and Nancy Wei are Freedom and Fashion’s three designers who created these pieces for the show. The collection tells a story of darkness to light, oppression to liberation, unknown to known. These deconstructed pieces were made from recycled clothing, and dyed, cut, sewn with much love. Our partners do the frontline work of ending oppression, and our collection depicts their efforts and then some! We are excited to see these pieces walk down the runway!
For a sneak peak at the collection, consider attending our “You be the Star” fundraising event with Black Card Circle Foundation group. Each $45 donation secures entrance to the Black Card “You be the Star” event this Wednesday the 11th, donor reserved seating for Freedom and Fashion’s show, and entrance to the wrap up party. http://fnfdonor.eventbrite.com
Written on October 29, 2009 at 12:13 am, by merely
Pictured above is one of FnF’s models for our Stewart + Brown photoshoot.
If you have modeling experience, and want to walk the catwalk to end human slavery, come to our model casting call:
November 5 : 10am – 12pm
November 6 : 10am – 12pm
Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio : Studio B
6514 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91606-2409
(818) 985-4176
Please email the following:
1. Head Shot
2. Body Shot
3. Measurements and Height
4. Past modeling and runway experience
To: Models@freedomandfashion.com
One of our partners, Music Saves Lives will also be handing out coffee samples from True Bean Coffee Roasters at our event! Thanks Music Saves Live and True Bean Coffee Roasters!
When Joanna Maiden visited Ukunda, a coastal town in Uganda in 2007, she learned of a program that employed local Kenyan tailors by paying a living wage and helping them meet a gap in the market. Joanna saw that the program was in need of the resources and staff to facilitate its growth. In February 2009, Joanna made the decision to move to Kenya to establish SOKO, a project aiming to create sustainable and creative long-term solutions in Ukunda, Kenya by providing international markets with community driven, ethical and environmentally aware fair trade products. After being in business for 7 months, SOKO has produced for several international fashion brands such as Lalesso, and seeks to create a sustainable business model that can be replicated in East Africa.
SOKO focuses on aiding men and women in poverty due to the economic downturn by providing training and employment in tailoring, sandal making, and accessories. 70% of SOKO’s profits are used to benefit local projects supporting orphans, disabled youth, schools and rehabilitation centers while 30% is used to expand the business.
SOKO has already succeeded in lifting 120 Kenyans out of poverty. Phillip, a levelheaded and gentle 45-year-old man. Phillip walks 1 ½ hours to work each day and lives in a hut. Phillip and his wife were held at gunpoint and robbed in his home. Since people are in desperate need for employment in Kenya, the robber took everything from their home including pots, pans, food, charcoal for cooking, and toiletries-everything. To rebuild his life, SOKO is able to provide Phillip with half a month’s wage, half of which is a gift from SOKO, and a loan that he will be able to pay off within months. Through SOKO’s sustainable business model, Phillip is now employed and is able to keep his dignity and support his family.
Thank you Soko for partnering with Freedom and Fashion to feature your LALESSO brand on the runway! See you in November!
