Sweat-free fashion show highlights alternatives for consumers

	A student models fair trade clothing at the Connecticut College Fair Trade Initiative's "Sweat-Free Fashion Show".

Student models adorned in "fair trade" clothing mounted a makeshift runway in Crozier-Williams recently in order to show support and concern for human rights.

The Connecticut College Fair Trade Initiative, a group dedicated to insuring fair wages for those who produce consumer products, used the power of consumer culture and the fashion industry to create a campus buzz around a growing trend—fair trade. The models and their outfits represented the availability of fashionable and attractive clothing produced and purchased through social-conscious means.

The lighthearted atmosphere, created by a backdrop of balloons, music, wine and cheese, was enhanced with clever quips from emcees Stephanie Gollobin '07 and Ross Jordan '07.

"We promise," joked Gollobin and Jordan, "that there were no models hurt in the making of this fashion show—they all eat!"

By mocking the fashion industry and its superficial ideals, Gollobin and Jordan subtly reminded the audience of the dark issue at heart—that most of us don't know where and how our clothes are produced, or the hardships that they may represent.

"When we wear clothes made in a sweatshop free environment, we make a statement," they added. "We are saying that we believe in giving living wages to and ensuring healthy working conditions for laborers for the work they do."

To learn more about fair trade and opportunities to get involved, visit wwww.flavoursoflife.com. The Flavours of Life store in downtown New London works closely with the Fair Trade Initiative and loaned much of the clothing for the fashion show.

By Erin Burdett '07