THE BRANDS
Selecting brands that adhere to our principles are a key foundation to FairFem. We've spent much time curating great-looking labels that are sustainable and promote the values of female-empowerment throughout the supply chain. Take a moment to read how each brand is doing this!
[eyd]
Empowerment is in the name. German-based brand [eyd], which stands for empower your dressmaker, was founded by Nathalie after she got to know several women in India who had been liberated from human trafficking and forced-prostitution. These women had no education and no professional experience - but they did have the strong desire to lead a self-determined life. Through a partnership with India-based CHAIIM, the women are not only trained how to sew clothes, but they are provided with holistic support - such as catching up on their education and therapeutic counseling.
[eyd] is also dedicated to using sustainable materials that are fair to people and the environment. The eco-friendly fabrics are produced sustainably and free from animal products. The main materials are organic cotton and lyocell (a sustainable alternative to silk).
The brand [eyd] truly is a brand of female empowerment and sustainability!
Dear Survivor
Combating human trafficking is the mission of USA-based brand Dear Survivor. The company is female-founded and managed and is committed to designing quality, long-lasting earrings made from upcycled materials.
The leather-based earrings are sourced from leather pieces left behind by large scale manufacturing. A vegan alternative is also available in certain styles in the form of Piñatex (a sustainable, vegan material from leftover fibers from harvested pineapple fruit).
A portion of all proceeds go to Generate Hope, an organization dedicated to helping female survivors of human trafficking. Further, through a recent partnership with the nonprofit Refugee Artisan Initiative, the jewelry is made by refugee and immigrant women who were formerly artisans in their home country.
What a great mission to support female empowerment...and we are proud to be the first stockist in Europe!
ManduTrap
ManduTrap is a girlpower team based in Berlin, founded and run by Mina. Their philosophy is great design, fit, and fashion, while still having love and care for our fellow human beings, animals and nature.
This means providing fair, people-centric jobs, using sustainable fabrics, and keeping waste to a minimum throughout the production and shipping cycle. The fabrics that are used are all certified or deadstock pieces. Further, all garments are made upon order in their studio in Berlin by a close-knit team of women. This keeps waste to a minimum, as they only produce what is really demanded.
Females are represented throughout the supply chain, making ManduTrap a great brand to support female empowerment! FairFem is happy to be the first shop in Switzerland to carry the brand!
Maqu
Following in the footsteps of her grandmother, who built up her own textile production company in Peru, Maqu founder and designer Marisa focuses on clothing that is timeless, minimalistic, and sustainable.
All products are handmade in either her studio and shop in Berlin or in her home country of Peru. Production is fair, ecological, and sustainable from 100% certified organic fabrics.
Females are supported throughout the supply chain by ensuring all seamstresses are working under quality conditions and paid a fair compensation (for instance, those in Peru receive a wage of 15-20% over the average established amount).
We are proud to be the first online shop in Switzerland to carry Maqu!
Maska
In a small sewing mill in a Swedish town famous for its textile industry, MASKA’s founder Maria Svensson used to run around playing with textile leftovers gathered from the floor at her grandmother's feet. The mill was run by her grandmother and her great grandmother, both of whom taught her about true quality and workmanship behind garments. Maria continued the heritage of textiles and female empowerment with the start of Swedish-based Maska in 2009. The brand is fully owned by Maria and all managers are women.
Largely going back to the tradition of quality in the sewing mill, selecting sustainable materials that age with grace and are long-lasting is central to Maska's sourcing philosophy. Each fabric has its own unique quality in terms of shine, drape, and softness - helping a woman feel comfortable and classy in the garments. 95% of the knitwear and wovens are produced in the EU, following its labor laws and strict chemical regulations. Cashmere and silk is produced in a GOTS-certified factory in Nepal. This certification helps ensure several elements of female empowerment, such as banning child labor, promoting quality education, and mandating no gender discrimination (aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN).
Sustainability and ethics are at the forefront of all stages of production with the brand Maska.
31 Bits
Back in 2008, a group of carefree 21-year old girls were hit with the realities of life in Uganda - especially for women. The women they encountered had survived war. A formal education was out of the question. They did, however, possess the artisan craft skill of making jewelry out of old posters. The girls of 31 Bits ran with this skill and created a business based in the USA. This, in turn, opened a market to these Ugandan (and later also Indonesian) women.
The focus of 31 Bits is to provide ethical and fair working conditions, as well as helping the artisans invest in their own future and goals. Further, the best quality materials are locally sought out in order to invest in the community as a whole.
Disclaimer: 31 Bits is not considered a sustainable brand. While the company is making steps toward using more sustainable/recycled materials, it is not there yet. They do focus on sourcing as many materials as possible from the local community, which amongst other benefits, helps reduce their carbon footprint.
Woron
Woron is a company by women for women. Founded by 2 sisters in Copenhagen, Woron produces high quality everyday essentials. Being sustainably conscious from being to end is at the forefront of Woron - from crafting, to handling, to the designing of the final garment.
Their goal is to make the identity of a woman and the love for the planet flourish. Their pieces provide women with comfort without sacrificing feminine shaping, fashion and style - all without forfeiting sustainability. All underwear and everyday essentials are vegan and cruelty-free (PETA-approved).
At the core of everything done by Woron is the strong respect for the people they work with. The majority of garments are sewn in a small family-owned, ÖkoTex-certified factory in Europe. They follow strict regulations and offer workers fair wages. The factory is mostly run by women and employs mostly women. Additional benefits are even offered to working mothers.
This female-focused sustainable brand is a great addition to FairFem!