Christel signs our wall at People Tree’s shop in Omotesando Tokyo. You can buy the UK version of By Hand from the People Tree website here.

We launched the Fair Trade Fashion Agenda book By Hand in Japanese on World Fair Trade Day – so around our exhibition for the new spring summer 2010 collection I did some book signing events at our People Tree shops in Tokyo. (4 months ahead of the conventional fashion industry because People Tree clothing is made by hand). We met about 70 stockists, some new ones too. Fair Trade is really gathering momentum in Japan. Despite the recession interest in sustainability and Fair Trade is high.
I met Takigawa Christel, TV newsreader and sweetheart of many Japanese salary men. She joined me for an organic Sunday lunch. We brain stormed on how to promote Fair Trade in Japan. She’s really cool and wears People Tree a lot too. We wandered over to People Tree’s boutique in Omotesando, the fashion centre of Tokyo. Christel wrote a message on our wall amongst other messages from actors, musicians and crazy ecologist types who support People Tree.

Signing ‘By Hand – ‘Fair Trade Fashion book’ in Japan

Book signings are always fun. It’s Japan so if one person wants a photo with you, everyone does. You end up bobbing up and down for an hour and a half (good job I’ve got good knees!). It’s a little bit tricky signing and giving advice about how people can get involved, as well as all the careers advice – in 1 minute flat – not forgetting the photo too!

The People Tree in Omotesando, Tokyo

The shop team led by Yoko Yoshida are fab – I love them! We need to open a shop like this in the UK too! If you can help People Tree do get in touch. You can contact us at sarah.tolley@peopletree.co.uk.

Safia shows you around the People Tree store in Omotesando, Tokyo