Safia Minney interviews the iconic print brand about the new People Tree-Laura Ashley collaboration.
Posts Tagged ‘fair trade’
International Womens’ Day
Today we are celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future across the world.
People Tree is proud to work with so many women to bring you beautiful clothing and support their communities and families.
Swallows is a womens’ project, where even hand weaving,which is considered mens’ work, is done by women.
Fumi, People Tree's model visits Swallows, Bangladesh to see how her clothes are made
The natural yarns are hand woven into fabrics, then hand embellished with embroidery and tailored, providing work for over 200 women.
Swallows was set up to provide opportunities for women who suddenly found that they were the head of the household, after the village was devastated in 1971, when all the adult males were massacred during the war of independence.
People Tree Founder Safia Minney asks the women at Swallows how Fair Trade makes a difference to their lives.
“In other villages the women think that they are living for their husband – but here the women don’t think that they are dependent on him. They think they have equal participation in the family.”
“We get supported by law here against domestic violence.”
“We feel Swallows is a secure place for us to work. We feel it is even more secure than our home. It’s like our home.”
Emma Watson visits Swallows
Emma Watson visited Swallows in Bangladesh with our CEO Safia Minney, to see how People Tree clothes were made. Swallows is a village as well as a workplace for over 200 women.
Profits from their work with People Tree help cover the running costs of a school for 300 children and a daycare centre.
London Fashion Week – February 2011
I’ve been running around at London Fashion Week. We loved the Bora Aksu show for AW11– gorgeous separates.
My favourite green silk blouse from Bora Aksu's show
An impressive front row at Bora
Then off to see Orla Kiely’s AW11 presentation and film – really prim and 60s gorgeous.
There were a great group of customers, friends and fashion bloggers.
Orla turned the place into a forest with dried out trees with stuffed birds – lots of dead birds in London Fashion Week this season Orla’s were in good taste but not sure about those dead crow hats!
20 years old!
Our 20 year Birthday Party in photos.
Over 250 gathered to celebrate People Tree’s coming of age and their huge contribution to making what is arguable one of the largest Fair Trade, Social and Environmental movements in Japan and the world. I guess we should celebrate our 10th in the UK too!
My first friend in Japan Higashi, ex-Manager of GAIA eco-shop
20th anniversary - We love Valentines and People Tree party
Founders - Kaoru, Safia and Naoko
First ever 100% organic chocolate fountain in Japan
Jack and Fay of Tengu foods
Sugiyama Naoko and Rika support People Tree with their amazing media skills
People Tree team hard at work behind the bar too!
Over 200 people gathered to celebrate
Safia stood out in her green dress
People Tree is a community of friends, customers, activists, artists and intellectuals
Thanks for all your support as always, Saf xx
People Tree Japan turns 20!
How INCREDIBLE to see 2 metre tall flower bouquets delivered at the party from business partners and friends! The party was SOOOO lovely!!
People I hadn’t seen for years and staff from years back all came to say “hi” and I cried when I saw some of them remembering, the joys and hard work we shared. Roko was there – I remember 16 years ago she used to slip under her desk for ‘a break’, think up a good idea, and pop up again! She is utterly brilliant and we are so lucky to have such talented and committed people working at PT and global village over the years!
Stockists from all over Japan came, people who have spread Fair Trade and built a strong movement in Japan. Models came and gave speeches…lots of speeches from friends and fellow activists and artists about us and our shared history.
The band GeneZ were amazing and we danced! The Fair Trade, organic chocolate fountain was the first ever in Japan and we dipped strawberries and Fair Trade bananas in!! ….that and wine is all I had all night. 
Even my first friend in Japan came: I met Higashi 20 years ago when he ran Gaia, the ecology and organic food shop, (I used to travel 45 mins across town with my shopping trolley to buy a week’s groceries) Thanks Higashi san, thank you also to co- founders: James, Kaoru, Naoko and an amazing team that helped grow the People Tree community – and helped me grow a lot too!
I promised myself that I wouldn’t cry and I kept it together for my talk, but I had two panda eyes at the end of the night! Thanks for a great party Team PT Japan!! YOU ROCK!!
The importance of Fair Trade fashion
Last year Emma Watson made a trip to Bangladesh where she had the chance to visit producers and see her forth coming collaboration with People Tree for Spring/Summer 2011 being produced.
Sample Sale this weekend!
Perfect gift ideas for a Fair Trade Christmas at the People Tree Sample Sale…the gift that gives twice!
The gift that keeps on giving!
Give a child a special gift this Christmas!
Buy a Fair Trade hand knitted clothing item by KTS in Nepal and for every one sold we will donate a much needed book to the KTS children’s school.
