Future Proof

Many hands make light work, and that is the ambition of local industry collective Mindful Fashion New Zealand, with its latest crowd-funding campaign to help raise money for our garment industry and promote a sustainable, responsible future. The collective, consisting of a diverse mix of designers such as Kate Sylvester, Maggie Marilyn, Zambesi, Ruby, Liam and fabric suppliers such as Frost Textile and Wall Fabrics, have banded together to instigate a fundraising initiative, Love Local, hosted on arts-funding programe Boosted. The fundraising is focused on investing in skills and education for the next generation working across all facets of our garment industry — skilled workers who provide support to designers, fabric suppliers, machinists, cutters, button-holers, pleaters and embroiderers. The aim is to raise $30,000 to invest in three key projects for future growth: implementing an apprenticeship programme to grow the industry; developing education programmes to address industry challenges and access new opportunities; and creating a digital directory of local suppliers so designers can find providers of critical cutting, trimming and sewing services. The month-long campaign is live at Boosted.org.nz/projects/ lovel-local. For more information visit Mindfulfashion.co.nz. —Dan Ahwa

READ MORE ABOUT THE MINDFUL FASHION NEW ZEALAND CROWDFUNDING INITIATIVE LOVE LOCAL AT VIVA.CO. NZ/ MINDFULFASHION- LOVE- LOCAL