Atelier Ethical

Q&A with TO THE MARKET

TO THE MARKET is a USA based company empowering women around the world through artisan enterprise and have been featured by The New York Times, Forbes, Glamour, Elle and People StyleWatch to name a few!! Find out more in our inspiring Q&A with Founder, Kristin Franco.

1. What inspired you to found TO THE MARKET?

Before founding TO THE MARKET, I worked on counter terrorism for the US State Department and human trafficking for Mrs. Cindy McCain at the McCain Institute. My work exposed me to marginalized populations across the world where women had little control over their day to day lives. These experiences showed me the importance of economic empowerment and economic independence. When I look at the growing demand for social impact products (demand!) and the incredible skillset of vulnerable communities to produce beautiful products (supply!), I knew that the market forces aligned.  

2. How did you first become interested in ethical fashion?

I became interested in ethical fashion when I looked into different industries that could serve as a pathway for economic empowerment of women. Artisan enterprise is the second largest economy in the developing world and provides women with flexibility and a sustained form of income!

3. You started the company supporting a handful of artisan co-operatives and have grown to support tens of artisan groups, which is an amazing achievement. Tell us a little about the positive impact.

TO THE MARKET partners with existing artisan cooperatives to sustain and grow their businesses, helping vulnerable women artisans become economically empowered through the dignity of work. We accomplish this by providing multiple channels for product distribution, serving as a platform for survivors to share their stories and supporting our local partners by providing trend forecasting and basic mental health resources. As our reach grows we are able to equip a growing number of artisans with economic independence and raise awareness for the challenges they face.

4. What is your best selling item and which products are your favourites?

http://www.tothemarket.com/starfish-project-tabitha-red-coral-cluster-necklace.html  The Tabitha Red Coral Cluster Necklace makes the perfect ethical fashion statement.Handmade in Asia by survivors of human trafficking. (Best seller)

http://www.tothemarket.com/crocheted-cosmetic-bag.html This adorable cosmetic bag is hand-crocheted and fairly traded by women of the Godavari Delta Women’s Lace Cooperative in India. (Best Seller)

http://www.tothemarket.com/pink-and-orange-striped-paper-beaded-clutch-3328.html Designed exclusively by TO THE MARKET, this classic black and white striped clutch is a staple all year round. Each paper bead is crafted with upcycled paper, carefully cut, rolled, painted, and finished by female artisans in Uganda. This clutch has a zipper under the flap, as well as another smaller pocket with a zipper inside the body of the clutch.

http://www.tothemarket.com/ox-chain-tassel-earrings.html The perfect day-to-night earrings! These Ox Chain Tassel Earrings are hand-crafted by survivors of HIV/AIDs in India.

5. Do you have any advice for other socially conscious businesses who want to create a positive impact?

YES! Start now! I frequently hear that people feel like they have to wait to be successful (i.e. profitable or a big business or have a ton of followers) before they incorporate some form of social impact into their work. I say start now and make it a core business value. Your growth and success will be expedited because people put a premium on social impact!

Summer Style

Eco friendly dress by PERI and recycled metal jewelry by Silvana K Designs. Made in Los Angeles, USA.

“I don’t want to play the game, I want to redefine it.”

At the Met Gala 2016, Emma Watson wore a dress made from recycled plastic bottles, which was a collaboration with Calvin Klein and Livia Firth’s Green Carpet Challenge.

“Acting together it is within our means to make the future of work a future without child labour.” - Guy Ryder, International Labour Organisation Chief

Child Labor Free Limited Edition Tees

Child Labor Free have collaborated with New Zealand artist Dick Frizzell and London based Zabou x Villanaart to design limited edition t-shirts to fundraise and establish an education and care centre for high risk children in the red light district of Kolkata.

The 100% organic cotton t-shirts are sourced from Freeset. Freeset is a fair trade business offering employment to women trapped in Kolkata’s sex trade. Proceeds from the sales of these t-shirts go on to provide support to their community and help break the cycle of child exploitation in the district.

Danielle Lara

Danielle Lara is a UK based luxury fashion and eveningwear label, designing ethical women’s wear inspired by dance, nature, love and seduction. All collections are Made in the UK using fairtrade and eco-friendly luxury fabrics such as organic peace silk and silk hemp that are traceable back to source and support artisan communities around the world.

The fall 2016 collection features romantic hand printed roses and vintage Valentino lace, combining classic styling with artistically unique detailing to create elegant, trans-seasonal clothing to wear and treasure for years to come.

Luxury ethical womenswear by Danielle Lara. Ethical wool coat with hand painted silk lining and peace silk and hemp cocktail dress.