14
ISSUE 86 / 2016
FASHION
VIETNAMESE FASHION
GETS SUSTAINABLE
Vietnam has long been a centre of mass production in fashion, along with problematic working conditions for those
producing garments, which is still a huge issue.
However, recently there
have been signs of a growing
interest in ethical and
sustainable developments in
the fashion industry across
the country.
Fashion 4 Freedom is an
organisation founded by
Vietnam-born, California-
raised Lan Vy Nguyen, aimed
at tackling poverty through
their approach to fashion.
The business prioritises
ethical manufacturing and
traditional Vietnamese
artesanal craft. The business
is a supply chain, and
connects designers to ethical
manufacturers.
One brand under Fashion
4 Freedom's wing is Saigon
Socialite, a footwear and
accessories label for women
which merges French
leatherwork with the craft
of traditional Vietnamese
pagoda carving, creating
unique, wearable cultural
artefacts.
Van do Thanh is one of
Saigon Socialite's carvers,
who Fashion 4 Freedom
brought into the global
market, maintaining cultural
heritage and ensuring fair
trade and recognition for
artisans.
