On Saturday night I attended the "Third Annual Fair Trade Fashion Show Fundraiser" at CTRL Collective in Downtown Los Angeles. As that's definitely a mouthful, every part of this event was amazing! The Fair Trade Fashion Show Fundraiser was created by Sica Schmitz two years ago, in order to bring awareness and education to individuals about modern day slavery, as well as fair trade fashion. Schmitz is also the creator of Bead & Reel, an online boutique for ethical brands. They believe in the power of every day purchases and bring that belief to this wonderful event. The fashion show/fundraiser showcased fair trade vendors, vegan snacks, an amazing panel, and of course, a fashion show. I urge you to check out their website for information on all the amazing pieces that came together to make this event happen, including Free the Slaves, an organization committed to fighting modern day slavery, and the benefit of this fundraiser. I so much enjoyed seeing so many brands, individuals, and groups coming together to combat the stereotypes of fashion. As I sat there, listening and watching, I thought of all the truth that is hidden from us in this industry.

Lies the Fashion Industry Tells Us

• Our clothing just appears out of thin air
• Buying clothes only affects the customer
• Clothes aren't valuable
• We don't have the time, creativity or brain power to alter/add to/create our own clothes
• That someone else gets to decide what we should or should not wear/look

We are fed falsities that machines make our clothes, while carbon copy models walk down the runways and cover our magazine pages. It was so refreshing to witness this fashion show highlighting a diverse cast of models. Each individual personality was shown through hair, skin color, walk, and smile- breaking down the story that we all should be the same. It filled me with so much happiness to see each woman's unique expression of joy. 

Runway Picks

Some of my favorite pieces from Saturday night's show! Shop them here.

Let's combat this dissolving sense of community we have in the USA, in LA etc. Let's gather, learn about how things are made, who is behind them, and how we can together make a difference!