More Blog Action...Check out Fashion, Evolved.

I read a PR blog about how fashionistas are turning into "recessionistas" and hitting up H&M, Forever 21, Target, and the ilk to get their fix without spending a ton of money. At the same time I'm reading tons of Blog Action Day posts about fighting poverty. Hmmm...

So I sincerely hope my fellow fashionistas won't start sacrificing quality just to have MORE of something. Especially when it's not only the quality of your clothing, but quite probably the quality of life of the person who makes that clothing.

Check out any "best dressed" list and you will find women who have developed a personal style based on quality wardrobe staples and not fly-by-night trendiness that falls apart. And the Fashionably Responsible best-dressed woman knows to look for clothing that is ethically produced while she's at it.

There's a lot of inspiration to be found today, but we were especially inspired by the Blog Action Day post by our friend Amanda Q over at Fashion, Evolved. She shares some startling facts about the disparity between fashion CEOs and garment worker salaries from the Sweat Shop Watch website and has some strong feelings about flash/trash fashion vs. sustainable fashion.

TAKE a moment and read Fashion, Evolved's Blog Action Post HERE

Fashionably Responsible in the Fight Against Poverty - Blog Action Day 08

Today marks Blog Action Day 2008 and the focus is on Poverty. Fashion Ethic has joined the conversation and would like to remind you that poverty exists in every country, all around the world and CAN BE prevented and ended.

Today, 25% of all sales at Fashion Ethic will be donated to The Global Fund in honor of all of us coming together to make a difference.

The quest to end poverty this century put forth by the Jubilee campaign and Dr. Jeffrey Sachs was one of the sparks of action that got me started down the path that eventually led to founding Fashion Ethic. I believe in "Fashionably Responsible" living - and a big part of that is knowing for sure that your clothing was made by people being paid a fair, living wage and being treated fairly.

Beyond being a conscious consumer, there are a few other things you can do today to take ACTION in the fight against poverty.

READ the other blogs - nearly 10,000 blogs have come together to discuss one issue today. Click HERE to view others.

ASK your presidential candidates to honor their promises in regards to global poverty at the ONE Campaign HERE.

LEARN about the issues HERE.

SHOP Fashion Ethic and we'll donate 25% of your sale to The Global Fund. CLICK HERE.

and most important of all...

DISCUSS with your friends and spread the word about the issues and solutions like supporting Fair Trade and Fair Wages and giving Microloans through organizations like KIVA (more on this in a later post!).

August VOGUE India - Style Statement or Fashion Faux Pas?

The New York Times recently reported on a controversial fashion spread in VOGUE India's August issue which features high fashion luxury brand handbags and accessories worn by; according to whomever you believe; either "poor" or "average" Indian citizens.

Just one month after VOGUE Italy's much-vaunted July issue, VOGUE India finds itself facing criticism. At issue is whether it is ethical to portray luxury goods in situations that suggest severe poverty - is the jarring juxtaposition callous, considering that nearly half of the country's population lives on $1.25 a day or less*, or is it a practical statement about the growing wealth of India's middle and upper classes?

I haven't been able to see all the images from the photo spread, so it is difficult to judge one way or the other. From the shot above, I see nothing wrong with it. It appears to be showing fashion on "regular" people, which is normally favored by readers around the world. If the spread raises the issue of global poverty, all the better.

According to Priya Tana, editor at the one-year old VOGUE India, critics should know that

"fashion is no longer a rich man's privilege. Anyone can carry it off and make it look beautiful...you have to remember with fashion, you can't take it that seriously."

So whether you view the spread as aspirational or just asinine, at least the controversy has started a dialogue within the fashion industry about the ethics of marketing luxury goods in new markets where poverty is rampant.

READ the article HERE

LEARN more about fighting Global Poverty at the ONE Campaign and help make poverty a campaign issue this election HERE

*Source and photo credit: The New York Times