Fonderie 47
Fonderie 47 makes cufflinks from weapons; jewelry made from Africa’s decommissioned rifles. Based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where
Raven + Lily
Raven + Lilly was conceived with a mission to empower women through design partnerships and sustainable economic opportunities. Producing a complete line of clothing that includes dresses, T’s, tops and skirts, in simple monochromatic colorations and comfortable wearable styles, the collection features detailed linear tribal prints and inserts. Each piece is made from repurposed, remnant jersey, individually screen printed and sewn by at risk women in Cambodia. A collection of bags, clutches and totes feature similarly graphic screen printed tribal designs on organic cotton, or are made from locally sourced leather. While the jewelry collection highlights a range of techniques and styes, from bangles, to necklaces and earings. Bangles and bracelets are individually beaded, Intricate gold leaf jewelry is made from recycled metals, and hand carved wooden bracelets feature metalic leather detailing.
Beading is entirely hand done in Kenya with the Massai tribeswomen, in support of girls education, and working towards the elimination of female genital mutilation in the Estiteti tribal people. Screen printing and hand looming is done in Phnom Penhn, with a Cambodian partner who specializes in working with remnant materials. Supporting local communities and families of craftspeople, many of whom are either formely trafficed women, or HIV positive. Northern Etheopian farmers supply artillery shells to local bead makers, who fashion beautiful, delicate necklaces and bracelets through traditional techniques. Raven + Lily also work in Northern India, where local ‘holy waters’ attract those ostracized by their family and suffering from HIV, come in search of a cure. Wooden bracelets, hand made paper items, and herbal soaps are all produced from locallty sourced materials, the soaps made high in the Himalayan mountains from local spring water, rich spices and locally grown herbs.
Co-founded by Kirsten Dickerson in 2008, Raven + Lily support marginalized women in Ethiopia, India, Cambodia, Kenya, and the United States with a sustainable income, a safe job and access to healthcare and education. Working to break the toxic cycle of poverty, Raven + Lily is committed to providing products that are made by hand, and produced through fair trade standards.A member of the Ethical Fashion Forum’s 10 ‘Founding Source Partners’, they were awarded the Sustainable Brand Leader for Jewelry award, as well as the CLASSY Award for Philanthropic Business of the Year in 2012, and are certified by “Green America” as an environmentally and socially responsible business.
Website: http://www.ravenandlily.com/
