Today Prince Charles gave me an MBE for Services to Fair Trade and the fashion industry. (I wore a People Tree dress of course, designed by Bora Aksu in hand-woven silk and hand embroidered at Swallows in Bangladesh and a pair of Terra Plana killer heels).
I’ve joined People Tree Ambassador Jo Wood in supporting War on Want’s latest campaign ‘Love Fashion, Hate Sweatshops’.
I was in Japan opening a new People Tree concession in Ginza, Tokyo last week. It’s on the third floor of MOSAIC department store, so if you happen to be in Tokyo have a look round. We have two other shops; one in Omotesando, and our longest standing store of 12 years in Jiyugaoka close to our office.
Other than Emilie of course! I caught up with Emilie Wall who has been running the Topshop, People Tree concession for 18 months now. If you go into Topshop, Oxford Street, down the escalator and right to the bottom you can find us near the shoes at the moment. Topshop moves around the floor a bit so if you’re reading this a month after the blog is posted you may need to have a look around.
I’m so proud of our friend and People Tree Foundation Ambassador Jo Wood’s bravery on Strictly Come Dancing! She’s doing great! It must take so much courage to put those dancing shoes on and face millions of viewers every week. Don’t think I could do it!
My second passion after human rights is Jazz Funk, so I was thrilled to be asked to come along and support the Helen Bamber Foundation by Stephen Brenninkmeijer, a friend and big supporter of People Tree and social business.
Galahad, who founded the ethical shoe company Terra Plana has taken the time to answer a few of my questions. Terra Plana use innovative design and eco-friendly materials in the manufacture of their shoes – have a look at their great Autumn Winter collection.
During my trip to Birisiri I was lucky enough to talk with some of the producers at the project. I met Ms Koruna Rangsa who works in the tailoring department and asked her a few questions about her work and family, the Garo people and climate change.
… there’s suddenly a burning tyre smell and black smoke. The tyre of our car is not only flat – it’s disintegrated! Amazing we didn’t come off the road and somersault off the raised road into the rice fields!
Promoting Fair Trade in Japan
I’ve been a little snowed under…sorry for the wait! Last weekend we launched…
Emma Watson and People Tree
I’m so excited that we’ve partnered with Emma Watson to design and launch this.
Emma Watson