For
people like me who believe in having a
better lifestyle, we have to make better choices every day
about every thing. The good news is that all the way from
organic food to
chemical-free personal care products, we now have a
choice. One of these companies is called Mehera Shaw and they
are selling clothes made from organic cotton grown in
India.
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Fashion
entrepreneurs Mark and Shari Keller are part of a new
understanding in the fashion movement: putting ethical
together with enduring style. Over the last eight years,
the Kellers have developed their business from a romantic
inspiration in the
Rajasthan desert to a fashion house whose philosophy is
rooted in do-good ethics, ecological production methods, fair
trade, and above all, a
feminine ideal of beauty and enduring style. Their
philosophy has evolved out of a desire for their clothes to be
a reflection of their values. "Our clothes are not trendy--
rather they are classically inspired. I want our designs to
reflect a happy
femininity and also enduring style," comments Shari.
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 Mark and
Shari developed Mehera Shaw in 1999, out of a
passion for India and its people and indigenous
arts. " Everything we make" comments designer Shari, "is
done using traditional techniques, from the hand block
printing and
vegetable dyes to many of the stitching techniques.
We make an effort to keep alive the artistic history of
the fabric. We work with techniques that leave as little
environmental impact as possible while also supporting
the quality and style of life of the village artisans
who have traditionally done this type of work. Our
styles are about an 'enduring fashion'.
Progressive fashion is not about trends. It's about
sustainability and respect."
Mehera Shaw's
clothing is fair made and supports the cottage industries of
North India. It is one of a handful of ethical fashion houses
that are seeking to give voice to artisans through an
integrated, grassroots process. Shari comments: "Being a
business owner carries with it the responsibility to do
things in the best way possible and encourage others to make
the same choices." |
