I knew I didn’t want anything to do with that, so it made
me get really serious about what I did want.”
Reese isn’t the only designer who is opting for a more moral
approach to fashion. Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean—whose
bold prints have been seen on Rihanna, Beyoncé and Zendaya—
was invited by the United Nations International Development
Organization to participate in an ethical-fashion program that
helps create employment opportunities for lo-
cal artisans. “Our mission is to safeguard tra-
dition and work together to embolden local
communities. In fact, our motto is ‘Not Charity,
Just Work,’ ” Jean says. “Everyone deserves to
be paid for their work, not given a handout or
paid a percentage. We need to treat everyone
equally. Otherwise, we keep broadening the
divide that separates us.”
When it comes to fashion brands that
value ethical methods, you’re not likely to
find many luxury labels taking the lead. But
indie brands are at the forefront in allowing
artisans in developing countries to get their
shine. Take Chioma Ngwudo, the cocreator
of Cee Cee’s Closet NYC. She launched her
fashion site after a trip to Nigeria. “That trip
reopened my eyes to the beauty of Nigeria,
and I wanted a vehicle to share that beauty
with others,” she says. “When I found these
gorgeous handmade clutches in a market, I
was immediately struck by the craftsman-
ship. They were the perfect gift for me and
my sister and just the accessory I needed to spice up my
graduation party look. At the party, they were a hit. My
friends kept asking me where they could get a bag like mine,
and the idea for Cee Cee’s Closet NYC was born.”
Cee Cee’s Closet NYC values the intricate care that
the local Nigerian artisans put into their work. Whether
it’s a head wrap or dress, the craftspeople hired by
Ngwudo are talented tailors who bring her vision to life.
“We choose partners based on skill, timeliness and reli-
ability,” says Ngwudo.Blessing at
work at The
Bombchel
FactoryEthical sourcing
is usually not
the most afford-
able way to grow
a business, but
if brands can
pick at least one
way to make
a positive impact,
we can all move
fashion in a
better direction.”
—ARCHEL
BERNARDSocially Aware Consumers
Millennials and Gen Zers tend to be more socially conscious
consumers because they are willing to act on the change
they want to see in the world. But companies pay attention
to this consumer segment not because of their idealism but
because of their purchasing power. According to a report by
McKinsey & Co., one of the world’s largest consulting firms, the
millennial and Gen Z demographics represent
around $350 billion in spending power in the
United States alone, with roughly $150 billion
spent by Gen Z and some $200 billion by mil-
lennials. “Additionally, Gen Z will account for
40 percent of global consumers by 2020,”
the report continues. “But concern over envi-
ronmental and social issues is not restricted
to younger consumers. Some two thirds of
consumers worldwide say they would switch,
avoid or boycott brands based on their stance
on controversial issues. Half of these regard
themselves as activists, driven by passion. The
other half are less dogmatic, tailoring their de-
cision to the situation at hand.”
Kendra Bracken-Ferguson, a digital
branding, marketing and communications
expert known for creating the social media
footprint for fashion behemoth Ralph Lau-
ren, has worked with other notable brands
and is currently the chief business offi-
cer of Beautycon. She believes the fashion
industry is becoming more socially mindful
in its ethics, standards and practices because the consumer
demands it. “We have shifted to a place where companies
have to be responsible, because millennials want to under-
stand where their products are made and how that impacts
the environment,” she says, noting that the Nielsen Global
Corporate Sustainability Report found that 60 percent
of consumers are willing to spend more on a product if
it comes from a sustainable brand. “With this generation
taking a stand against mass consumption of clothing, we
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