Check out ASOS Africa’s charitable A/W 2013 collection

Want to contribute to a more eco friendly world whilst finding something that makes you stand out from the crowd? 

Consumption and waste are unfortunate problems in the fashion industry, so it is great to see sustainable fashion finally becoming more prevalent. There is now a plethora of designers supporting the eco-friendly trade, and even haute couture labels such as Armani and Valentino have been associated with the green movement.  While haute couture may well exceed our humble bank balances, there are many great means of acquiring a sustainable wardrobe. ASOS, the global fashion retailer, is now on its eighth ASOS Africa collection, and this season they offer some remarkable designs. 

ASOS Africa clothing is made by SOKO, the Kenyan clothing workshop which provides fair and safe employment and training for some of Kenya’s poorest communities.  When you purchase a product from this line you are supporting the employees, who are predominately female, allowing them the financial empowerment to pay for their children’s education. 

The range has gone from strength to strength, and in order to accommodate the growing number of employees and production facilities required to meet the demand for the collection, ASOS Foundation have donated funds to match the proceeds from sales of the spring/summer 2011 and autumn/winter 2011 ASOS Africa collections. This in turn has enabled the development of a bigger workshop with every team member receiving a free lunch as well as free childcare, which is also offered to working mothers. 

Michelle Obama has displayed her support to the cause by wearing a top from the charitable collection on a trip to South Africa. The First Lady also sported ASOS Africa during an interview with Oprah Winfrey at the White House. And why wouldn’t she? Not only is the range affordable and charitable, it is also stylish. 

This season we get a striking and versatile mix of plaid pinafore dresses, textured leopard-print jackets, and colourful printed pants and midi dresses. ASOS Africa offers a unique twist to your autumn/winter collection. 

 Michelle McGill

For a peek at the entire collection and to support underprivileged communities to establish businesses through local craftsmanship, click here.