Hello from Waseda University in Japan and an amazing People Tree Christmas Party! (People Tree Japan style!)

The Waseda University Cafaire, a students Fair Trade group, invited me along to their Fair Trade Fashion Show with other guests Ai Tominaga, one of Japan’s leading models and a woman who is very active in social and environmental issues – and my friend Yoshiko Ikoma, who has been editor of Vogue, Elle and Marie Claire over the last 20 years! There was a great panel discussion about how young people can support Fair Trade fashion in Japan followed by a fantastic fashion show!

Then it was time to head of to the People Tree, Japan office Christmas Party. As usual it was amazingly well organized… and choreographed. Seven incredible dancers performed routines from Michael Jackson while following this year’s theme of ‘Nature’, samba feathered ladies mingled amongst forest creatures and African animals! OMG the People Tree team know how to deliver!

The Japanese team was celebrating some big events in 2009;

•We launched an e-commerce site following on from our European version
•A new People Tree shop opened in Ginza
•Mayuko, Handicraft Manager and Kazue Takei, Shop Assistant both got married … not to get other!
•And I received an MBE, a testament to how much everyone at People Tree and all those who support us have been driving the Fair Trade agenda.

A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND AMAZING NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR FRIENDS! X