That activism has found its expression through fashion is not news. But, while many brands are merely sharing a message through their creation, there are others that roll up their sleeves and physically build a better future.
It is the case of the indigenous-owned sustainable brand Orenda Tribe: beyond its commitment to upcycle clothes around the world and promote Native-made items, the brand joined the Grammy Award Nominated Singer and activist Jewel (@jewel), her Inspiring Children Foundation along with Wonders Around the World (WAW) in building a transformative space for Diné youth and their families on Navajo Nation. The objective is to support an indigenous community, by providing a safe and inclusive public skatepark to empower strength and resilience.
The Diné Skate Garden™ is a project of love for the community of Toadlena or rather “Tóhaaliní” (Where the Water flows Out) located in the Two Grey Hills Chapter of the Navajo Nation. This is a remote community nestled in the Chuska Mountains between Shiprock and Gallup, that has no outdoor sport recreational facilities.
And if it is already incredible the effort the brand is investing…. Well, you’ll be impressed by its determination to make a real change. Do you want an example? A little flashback…
When it comes to creativity, it is not news that inspiration comes from pretty much everywhere. But what’s the line between plagiarism and inspiration? – Well, I tell you: if you do not quote, you’re just stealing ideas, man! Quite easy to get it!
When it comes to fashion, stolen ideas won’t slip through the crack!
That’s what happened to the boho Karen retailer Anthropologie, which took way too much inspiration from Orenda Tribe.
Just three days ago a new drop popped into Anthropology eCommerce, and the simple cut and fabric design of their ‘Monika’ top appear suspiciously similar to Orenda Tribe’s. What is worst, they also turned the handwoven Oaxacan rainbow stripe fabric of the original into a soulless, mass-produced digital print, ripping the soul of the original garment!
As expected, we didn’t have to wait long for the Orenda Tribe reply:в Ђв Ђв Ђв Ђ
“You’ve obviously been ‘inspired’ by a small women-owned Indigenous, sustainable brand, that has supported artisan weavers and small-batch makers in creating this rainbow top” says a post from the brand’s Instagram account.
Source: Orenda Tribe
If Anthropologie’s top has since been removed from their website, Orenda Tribe founder Amy Yeung is calling out the retailer to make things right: “We’d like to INSPIRE you to GIVE BACK,” she said.
Yeung is asking Anthropologie to give back the profits from their ‘Monika’ blouse to support their DineМЃ Skate Garden Project. What’s on the table is not only plagiarism: it is the respect for people and their work; it is a proper call for action!
Fundraising has started earlier this month, in an event along with Grammy Award Nominated singer and activist Jewel, the skater Tony Hawk, NehiМ‚yaw Salish artist, and the skater and artist DineМЃ.в Ђв Ђ
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Partnering with Wonders Around The World, a non-profit organization aimed at making skateboarding accessible worldwide, they aim to raise $100K and start building this September. So far, they’ve raised more than $46K.
You can also donate to the DineМЃ Skate Garden Project here
Source: Orenda Tribe
