Handpicked on Etsy
Cotton fashions from indie designers on Etsy and the issue of Craftivism are my subjects today.
These Etsy fashion designers use cotton knit fabric in creating beautifully crafted, comfortable clothing with style and imagination, and attractively priced from $34.00 to $90.00. Some of these pieces feature recycled knit fabric, a wonderful way to re-purpose discarded apparel and embrace the green ethic.....which brings me to another green issue: "Craftivism as activism."
In America and first world countries, Craftivism is a gentle form of consumer rebellion against the dictates and practices of corporate culture. In third world countries, it is a way of raising people and communities above poverty as they learn to create for and sell in the global marketplace. (Debate in the Etsy forums over Craftivism's political agenda have swirled around this issue, and are well-summarized at this blog Crafting a Green World.)
Does buying and selling directly from the maker challenge the corporate culture? If so, to some that means social evolution, while to others it implies a more threatening revolution, triggering fear and political debate. We're all familiar with rebellious or political messages on hand screened tshirts, which is certainly one obvious form of overtly political craftivism. A more subtle form of activism may occur as fashionistas combine their sense of style with their conscience, embracing recycled vintage apparel or eco-friendly fabrics. Those of us who dress to express our individuality may rebel against the trends and "must haves" dictated by industry titans, by buying one-of-a-kind or made-to-order garments from independent designers.
The bottom line for me is we should all be able to make our lifetsyle and ethical choices without being ridiculed with political labels by those who fear evolutionary change. What's your opinion?
From top left to bottom right, today's Indie Designers are: milocreativestudios, milocreativestudios, LaBronz, ModernEraDesign, iheratfink, joclothing, alterecoclothing, birdapparel, fofolle, CrowsCloth
