Dedicated to clever and innovative trends of art and design in activism.

We seek out artists from around the globe who are using their talents for social change. We design for artists and activists at our other website.

Alabama Chanin does Civil Rights

James David wrote this post at 11:30 am on February 5th, 2008.

After reading yesterday about the role and ethics of photojournalism (an oft-discussed topic here at Groundswell) it’s opportune to hear news of the new Alabama Chanin line. The eco-fashion studio is currently showing for Fall/Winter ‘08 at LF8 Studio in New York City alongside civil rights photographer Charles Moore’s work. Designer Natalie Chanin chose to create this season’s work as an “homage to Charles and all of the people of this nation who stood – and walked - together for change.” Alabama Chanin uniquely focuses:

not only on sustainable textiles, but also on preserving the traditional crafts techniques of rural America. Working with artisans in Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi, where the civil rights movement was born, their mission is to create treasured life-long clothing steeped in history, but with a “contemporary design aesthetic”.

Alabama Chanin + Charles Moore

Alabama Chanin is also showing with Italian accessory designer Henry Beguelin, whose handmade work makes use of recycled materials.

Via TreeHuger.

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SEAMLESS at Boston Museum of Science

James David wrote this post at 3:49 pm on January 28th, 2008.

Thanks to my partner Greta, I’ll be at the SEAMLESS: Computational Couture show at the Boston Museum of Science this Wednesday. The MoS has brought together “emerging designers from around the globe and functional creations that push the boundaries of wearable technology.” Much to my pleasure, the list includes Elena Corchero, whose collection we’ve written about before.

The evening also includes live media performances by video artists sosolimited and DJs Eddie O. and Mike Uzzi of Zero G Sounds.

You can check out a PDF version of the full list of designers here. Hope to see you there!

Other activist fashion at Groundswell:

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H&M Launches Fashion Against AIDS

James David wrote this post at 10:24 am on January 16th, 2008.

H&M and Designers Against AIDS (DAA) are joining forces in the battle against AIDS with a collection that will be available in H&M’s Divided departments from February 2008.  The artists taking part in “Fashion Against AIDS” are Rihanna, Chicks on Speed, Good Charlotte, Henrik Vibskov, Jade Jagger, Katharine Hamnett, My Chemical Romance, Rufus Wainwright, Scissor Sisters, The Cardigans, Tiga, Timbaland and Ziggy Marley.

The initiative for this collaborative venture was taken by Designers Against AIDS (DAA), a non-profit organisation that seeks to mould public opinion through collaboration with fashion designers, musicians and other artists.  25 per cent of the proceeds from the collection will go to HIV/AIDS-prevention projects around the world.

Via Dexigner.

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Artevist

James David wrote this post at 2:47 pm on January 2nd, 2008.

Artevist Artevist is an ethical t-shirt design website, backed by a social network of nonprofits and artists designing for change. It is a veritable hub of cultural production for social change. Like Threadless, the designs are submitted by users, subject to peer review, and winners are chosen to go into production. What’s more, you still own the rights to your t-shirt design after you win!

Artevist Globe

Check out a few designs on their website, or skip ahead and join up with Artevist today!

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fiftyRX3

James David wrote this post at 12:47 pm on December 18th, 2007.

Jill Danyelle conceived of fiftyRX3 as a “project in style and sustainability.” On film, she documented her outfits daily for a year, having set a goal of averaging fifty percent sustainability. She explored the relationship we have with our clothing, commenting on consumer culture with her own recycled pieces. The project also probed others’ conceptions of what we wear and how it represents us. Jill asked folks on the street about their perceptions of her, based on what she was wearing.

In her own words, she “took on the role of a green fashion promoter and advocate,” and knowing that she has inspired others to become more eco-conscious (especially about what they wear), she says, is the greatest compliment that she could have been paid for this project. Additionally, she was featured in I.D. Magazine for her recycled umbrella dress, below.

 

Jill Danyelle’s Umbrella Dress

You can follow what she is up to at her personal website, or in her laboratory.

Thanks to Aaron for the link! Also, if anyone has photos of their recycled fashions, let me know!

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