orang orang: March 2009 Archives
As I have eluded to in the two previous posts, an exciting venture was solidified this year while I was in Bali. Finally, my desire to help people, use my skills, and make the world a better place now as well as in the future has a name:
The Orang Orang Project.
Regardless of the personal gains that this project will provide; what's much more important is the vision and intentions that we have for both the local women and children of Bali as well as the Western consumer and businesses. It is a challenge to those businesses out there who are not thinking in this way. We want to prove that it is possible to make money and to make a difference at the same time.
Cat's passion for people and talent for design coupled with my passion for improving the world and talent for business are a perfect match. Furthermore, between the two of us we cover the globe in the languages that we are proficient at and the people that we are connected to. It is like a win, win, win, win, win situation - every direction you look!
I think, however, that I might be getting ahead of myself.
You are asking: who, what, where, when and why, right?
So, here's my pitch:
OrangOrang is a fashion label offering socially responsible clothing and fashion accessories (jewellery, bags, belts) for women and children. The human dimension is central to our project, so much so that our name means 'people' in Indonesian.
Established in Canada and now rooted in Indonesia, OrangOrang designs and produces socially responsible fashion. We believe a better future can be made available to all, by enhancing the well being of the small communities in developing countries. Coupling traditional knowledge and modern taste with the use of organic fabrics and dyes allows us to create beautiful products with a purpose. Our guideline is the concept of sustainable development, which encompasses both environmental and social consciousness throughout each step of the supply chain.
Our project is multifaceted; we want to show the world that a company can make money and make difference at the same time. The fundamentals of the project involve teaching transferable skills to women in poor communities on Bali and then working with them and their new skills to develop beautifully hand made clothing and accessories. As technology and fashion evolve, so will we regarding social, environmental and economic issues. Currently, all the dyes we use are made from the little treasures and traditional knowledge offered by Indonesia`s rich vegetation and history. As most common industrial dyes are toxic, we ensure the safety of our workers, the environment, and you by happily offering all of our products free from the use of these harmful synthetic dyes. Moreover, we work with 100% certified organic silk and cotton. Silk is sensational to wear and allow us to play so much with the dyes as they create an amazing effect on that material. The cotton we use is light and perfect for dressing up or down.
We want to provide the educated and conscious consumer with choices. This enables people (you!) to choose to wear stylish clothes without damaging the environment and without affecting your health and the health of the textile industry workers. Furthermore, all pieces combining organic cotton and natural dyes are perfect for people with sensitive skin or allergies as well as children as they grow and develop.
(Cat with Kadek (her jewelry expert) making earrings one morning while I visited in February)
A business can make such a difference in both the lives of people and the protection of environment - as well as grow in a sustainable way. A portion of all our sales go to keeping street children on Bali in school and on route to a happier, healthier life. So, with us, you can really make a difference!
(Our first day in business with our new business cards and freshly made earrings!)
So, how can you buy our products and help us help the world?
Well, right now we have a website in the making so check out www.orangorangproject.com
And we already sell many things in stores in Quebec, and with your help spreading the word we will hopefully get our stuff into more stores - specifically in BC and other countries as well. We are looking into selling our products on some other socially responsible websites such as www.green2greener.com, www.nosweatapparel.com, www.organicconsumers.org, etc. which will make us more accessible to the world. And of course we are always open to your emails, requests, suggestions, orders, help, time, or anything!
The Orang Orang Project.
Regardless of the personal gains that this project will provide; what's much more important is the vision and intentions that we have for both the local women and children of Bali as well as the Western consumer and businesses. It is a challenge to those businesses out there who are not thinking in this way. We want to prove that it is possible to make money and to make a difference at the same time. Cat's passion for people and talent for design coupled with my passion for improving the world and talent for business are a perfect match. Furthermore, between the two of us we cover the globe in the languages that we are proficient at and the people that we are connected to. It is like a win, win, win, win, win situation - every direction you look!
I think, however, that I might be getting ahead of myself.
You are asking: who, what, where, when and why, right?
So, here's my pitch:
OrangOrang is a fashion label offering socially responsible clothing and fashion accessories (jewellery, bags, belts) for women and children. The human dimension is central to our project, so much so that our name means 'people' in Indonesian.
Established in Canada and now rooted in Indonesia, OrangOrang designs and produces socially responsible fashion. We believe a better future can be made available to all, by enhancing the well being of the small communities in developing countries. Coupling traditional knowledge and modern taste with the use of organic fabrics and dyes allows us to create beautiful products with a purpose. Our guideline is the concept of sustainable development, which encompasses both environmental and social consciousness throughout each step of the supply chain.
Our project is multifaceted; we want to show the world that a company can make money and make difference at the same time. The fundamentals of the project involve teaching transferable skills to women in poor communities on Bali and then working with them and their new skills to develop beautifully hand made clothing and accessories. As technology and fashion evolve, so will we regarding social, environmental and economic issues. Currently, all the dyes we use are made from the little treasures and traditional knowledge offered by Indonesia`s rich vegetation and history. As most common industrial dyes are toxic, we ensure the safety of our workers, the environment, and you by happily offering all of our products free from the use of these harmful synthetic dyes. Moreover, we work with 100% certified organic silk and cotton. Silk is sensational to wear and allow us to play so much with the dyes as they create an amazing effect on that material. The cotton we use is light and perfect for dressing up or down.
We want to provide the educated and conscious consumer with choices. This enables people (you!) to choose to wear stylish clothes without damaging the environment and without affecting your health and the health of the textile industry workers. Furthermore, all pieces combining organic cotton and natural dyes are perfect for people with sensitive skin or allergies as well as children as they grow and develop.
(Cat with Kadek (her jewelry expert) making earrings one morning while I visited in February)A business can make such a difference in both the lives of people and the protection of environment - as well as grow in a sustainable way. A portion of all our sales go to keeping street children on Bali in school and on route to a happier, healthier life. So, with us, you can really make a difference!
(Our first day in business with our new business cards and freshly made earrings!)So, how can you buy our products and help us help the world?
Well, right now we have a website in the making so check out www.orangorangproject.com
And we already sell many things in stores in Quebec, and with your help spreading the word we will hopefully get our stuff into more stores - specifically in BC and other countries as well. We are looking into selling our products on some other socially responsible websites such as www.green2greener.com, www.nosweatapparel.com, www.organicconsumers.org, etc. which will make us more accessible to the world. And of course we are always open to your emails, requests, suggestions, orders, help, time, or anything!
