Breast Cancer Awareness

October 10, 2020 in DESIGN

October is breast cancer awareness month. We wanted to raise awareness by designing a breast cancer T-shirt. A donation of the profits from the Tshirt will go to a breast cancer chairity. We have chosen Coppafeel! as our charity to support.

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We produced many designs for this campaign as we wanting to get it right.

If you would like any of the designs below printed in white or black ink on black, white or grey organic cotton T-shirts please email us as we can arrange that for you.

View our Circular Fashion Range

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Show your support for breast cancer awareness please see these campaigns below.

Wear it Pink Campaign - Breast Cancer Now

‘Register for wear it pink 2020, wear something pink on 23 October and raise money. You’ll be helping to make cutting-edge breast cancer research and life-changing support happen.’

https://www.wearitpink.org/?_ga=2.241769985.2037931457.1602151312-1197924822.1602151312

Grab Life by the Boobs Campaign - Coppafeel!

‘Get to know your boobs book check 101 Our complete guide on how to check your boobs, and what you should be looking out for when you CoppaFeel!’

https://coppafeel.org/grab-life/

Know your lemons challenge - Know Your Lemons

1. Get the Know Your Lemons app and learn the 12 signs of breast cancer. 2. Bite a lemon for 12 seconds! Share the video/photo with #knowyourlemonschallenge and tag us: @knowyourlemons

https://www.knowyourlemons.com/challenge

Heres a a list of Breast cancer awareness charities if you would like to research, fundraise or donate.

- Prevent Breast Cancer

‘Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity funding ground-breaking research solely aimed at preventing breast cancer for future generations.’

Donate here:

https://preventbreastcancer.org.uk/donate/

- Breast cancer now charity

‘We’re Breast Cancer Now, the charity that’s steered by world-class research and powered by life-changing care. We’re here for anyone affected by breast cancer, the whole way through, providing support for today and hope for the future.’

Donate here: https://www.wearitpink.org/pay-in-fundraising

- Coppafeel! Charity

‘We’re here to help everyone stand the best possible chance of surviving breast cancer by educating you on the importance of getting to know your boobs and pecs!’

Donate here: https://coppafeel.org/give/

- The Pink Ribbon Foundation

‘The Pink Ribbon Foundation is a grant making trust with a mission to fund projects and provide financial support to UK charities which relieve the needs of people who are suffering from, have been affected by breast cancer, or who work to advance the understanding of breast cancer and its early detection and treatment.’

Donate here

https://www.pinkribbonfoundation.org.uk/donate

- Cancer research uk

‘We fund scientists, doctors and nurses to help beat cancer sooner. We also provide cancer information to the public.’

Donate here: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/donate

- Know Your Lemons

‘Our mission is to help women find breast cancer as early as possible. We do this through well-designed education.’

Donate here: https://www.knowyourlemons.com/mission-vision-values?form=FUNMNGYXGSN

- Breast Cancer Haven

‘One in seven women in the UK will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. Thanks to research, more people are surviving breast cancer than ever before.’

https://www.breastcancerhaven.org.uk/donate/donate-now/15/credit-card

Please everyone check your breasts for your health and remind your friends and family it is very important.

Inclusion Circular Fashion Range

July 23, 2020 in DESIGN, NEWS, CIRCULAR FASHION

After our last post we received a lot of positive feedback from our Inclusion geometric designs, and we thought we could do more, so we have launched this Circular Fashion initiative to enable us to support different charities to donate a percentage of the profits to.

Our first chosen charity will be supporting Black Lives Matter and the charity chosen is Black Minds Matter UK.

We struggled to find UK based charities that help support the Black Lives movement, so we have gathered a list of charities that we researched below.

We also have put together a list of petitions to sign.

INCLUSION CIRCULAR FASHION ORGANIC RANGE

The geometric illustrations are designed by ZARAMIA AVA Sustainable Fashion Designer. The design is inspired by bringing people together. They are all cruelty free and vegan, we only use natural materials in our products and renewable energy is used throughout our supply chain.

SHOP RANGE

Please tag us #ZARAMIAAVA in your selfie photos wearing the garments, we would love to see how you have stlyed them, we want to raise awareness of inclusion.

INCLUSION ART PRINTS

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All our artwork is printed on Unicorn White 100 % Recycled Paper, from de-inked post consumer waste, which is FSC Certified. Printed with inks partly made from organic biomass, which are food safe, using comparable de inking processes so can be fully recycled at any plant. Our artwork is printed by local sustainable printers based in Leeds.

UK Charities to support the Black Lives Matter Movement

Stephan Lawrence Charitable Trust

‘The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust runs high impact programmes that inspire and enable young people from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds to succeed.’

https://www.stephenlawrence.org.uk/stephen-lawrence-day/stephens-story/

Donate here

https://www.stephenlawrence.org.uk/support-us/donate/

Black Minds Matter UK

‘Our mission is to connect Black individuals and families with free mental health services — by professional Black therapists, specifically for Black trauma. To make this happen, we want to make mental health topics more relevant and accessible for all Black people in the U.K., removing the stigma and remodelling the services to be relevant for the Black community.’

https://www.blackmindsmatteruk.com

Donate here

https://oxfordshire.enthuse.com/cf/black-minds-matter-uk

Black Lives Matter Leeds

‘Black lives matter Leeds, formally it starts today, work to stamp out racial injustice in our city.’

https://blmleeds.co.uk/

Donate here

https://www.gofundme.com/f/black-lives-matter-leeds

Black Health initiative

‘ BHI aims to develop interventions that enable service users to make positive lifestyle choices in relation to their health and well-being. Equity access.

https://m.facebook.com/BlackHealthInitiative/

RunnyMede Trust

‘Our authoritative research-based interventions in social policy and practice, and our public engagement with decision makers, will assist policy-makers, practitioners, and citizens, to reduce the risk of our society being blighted by racism and discrimination to the detriment of us all.’ https://www.runnymedetrust.org

Donate

https://www.justgiving.com/runnymede-trust

Stand against racism & inequality

SARI is a service user/community-oriented agency that provides support and advice to victims of hate, and promotes equality and good relations between people with protected characteristics as defined by law.’ https://www.sariweb.org.uk

Donate here

https://www.sariweb.org.uk/who-we-are/donate/

UK Petitions to sign to support the Black lives matter movement.

Justice for George Floyd petition

SIGN HERE

Justice for Breonna Taylor

‘She was brutally shot and killed by police in her own home. She did nothing wrong. Our fight for justice for Breonna begins today.’

https://www.standwithbre.com

SIGN HERE

#WeCantBREATHE

‘The #WeCantBREATHE movement was launched by Carmen Means and Rev. Jerry Macafee, in response to George Floyd’s death.

This movement is an action-filled cry for the political and systemic change needed within our country and for the collective advancement essential to our communities.’

https://www.wecantbreathenational.org

SIGN HERE

Improve Maternal Mortality Rates and Health Care for Black Women in the UK

‘Black Women in the U.K. are 5 times more likely to die during pregnancy and after childbirth compared to White Women (MBRRACE, 2019). We need more research done into why this is happening and recommendations to improve health care for Black Women as urgent action is needed to address this disparity.’

SIGN HERE

Medical Schools Must Include BAME Representation in Clinical Teaching

‘We call on the GMC to pass guidance requiring that course material in all medical schools must include ethnically diverse examples of case presentations - especially in clinically relevant instances where disease presentation differs between white and black and minority ethnic (BAME) patients.’

SIGN HERE

Protect Afro-Textured Hair

‘The exclusion of black and mixed children from British schools is reaching epidemic proportions. Recent high profile cases have seen pupils excluded from school for their hair being too short, too long, too big and too full. Students have been excluded for fades, locks, braids, natural afros and more - effectively every style and necessary protective method for the maintenance and upkeep of afro hair has been banned.’

SIGN HERE

We can all do more!

Inclusion, Diversity, We Are Stronger Together!

June 07, 2020 in DESIGN, NEWS

We have designed these images to show support and raise awareness of vital issues.

Inclusion

Diversity

Stronger Together

In our Ethos we have a set of core values we stand by as a business.

Identity is part of our Ethos.

IDENTITY

Your identity is defined by your choices, values and qualities.

Establish who you are! Be who you want to be! Let fashion define you! There are no rules for expression!

We believe in diversity, inclusion and bringing people together.

Things need to change

These are a few tips on what you can do to help be more understanding and actively support and help fight racism:

- Read a variety of books watch films & documentaries from all cultures

-Donate money to organisations or watch you tube channels which channel revenue to smaller communities

-Sign petitions of causes you believe in

-Write to your local MP ask them what they are doing to help, there are templates online

-Activity join protests or show your support online

-Do your research engage in challenging conversations

-Stand up for injustice

Listen learn and support where you can.

I have attached a resources link below with more information:

Resources

The Shop Ethical Instead Challenge

December 05, 2019

1 | Introducing The Shop Ethical Instead Challenge | #ShopEthicalInstead

2 | MEET THE CHANGE MAKER

As part of #ShopEthicalInstead I’m here to introduce myself I’m Zara-Mia the founder of ZARAMIA AVA. Ethical Menswear & Womenswear Contemporary Fashion Designer!

I started the business as I wanted to change the idea of fast fashion and bring back quality, timeless clothing, that is versatile and diverse for all to wear. I aspire to design sustainable luxury clothing that is cruelty free & vegan, produced with zero waste.

I am supposed to explain why I am a change maker, but to be honest it would not possible for me to be the change maker without all of you, as it is you the customers who make the choice and change the world a little piece at a time by what you support and buy, we just raise awareness and guide you to make that step.

3 | MY BIG WHY | #ShopEthicalInstead

The main reason we chose to be an Ethical Fashion business is because we wanted to make a positive impact for people and the environment, throughout the supply chain, to raise awareness and guide consumers on how they are making difference with their choices.

Our ethical journey began after watching the True Cost documentary it made us realise that we can make a difference, being a fashion brand. We can make changes for the better. Showing consumers that you can have luxury contemporary fashion, that is also ethically made and sustainably produced.

The reason we are fully vegan fashion business is that we are against animal cruelty, animals should not be harmed for fashion. We do not use any animal bi products and are cruelty free, we are vegan throughout the business we do not want to add to the animal suffering around the world. With some of our products we donate a percentage to animal charities. Being a vegan fashion business has its own benefits as it also lowers our carbon footprint and is better for the environment.

Why we do what we do is because we care about people animals and the environment!

4 | HOW IT’S MADE | #ShopEthicalInstead

It starts with inspiration and research which leads to sketching ideas & designing full collections, we also design whilst pattern cutting as well to eliminate waste.

Sourcing is an integral part of our brand making sure everything is ethical, sustainable, vegan and cruelty free.

With our zero waste section we design and make garments from our fabric scrap, size depending, so we end up with limited one off items.

We draft our own block patterns, this gives us more opportunities to make our desired fit.

We then use our own drafted blocks to make a master pattern, this is used to apply our whole design onto. We then draft separate patterns from the master pattern including the seam allowances and cut them out.

The next stage is making a toile we iron the fabric, place the pattern pieces on to eliminate the fabric waste then cut the fabric pieces out.

We then start pinning, and sewing the fabric, on either our industrial sewing machine or industrial overlocker, depending on if we are using stretch fabrics. We test the toile and see if we we need to make any adjustments to the pattern pieces to make it a better fit.

Then it’s time to iron and cut it out of the chosen fabric we mainly use natural organic fabrics or end of rolls which is deadstock from fabric manufacturers. We add the logo and care labels. If the garment is lined we iron all the seams flat, trim the excess seam allowance, pin and sew the lining to the outer fabric, we leave a gap to then bag out and turn the garment the right way round. To finish off we trim the threads, hand stitch the gap, then press all the seams and iron.

Finally we have our finished handmade Ethical, sustainably produced luxury garment.

All our main collections are made to order and can be personalised to the consumer, as we are a slow fashion brand we don’t over produce stock.

5 | BUY LESS CHOOSE WELL

We are against fast fashion. Our garments are designed to be timeless, most of them are lined to increase durability. They are season-less made to be worn any time of year, produced with quality, and made to last. Versatility is key when designing and producing our products; one garment can be worn in a variety of ways enabling a capsule collection.

6 | MAKE A DIFFERENCE

We use ethically made sustainable natural fabrics as we want to make a difference in the fashion industry, for our garments to have a positive impact, we aspire to have a supply chain that Is transparent and as ethical as possible.

Organic fabrics have no chemicals used to produce them. Safer for the workers, and safer for the consumers. These are biodegradable so will leave no waste. We state all fabric used in the description of our products, even down to our organic cotton threads.

We at ZARAMIA AVA are always learning and improving, we want to build awareness of sustainability! Working together to make a better world.

7 | GIVE BACK

Giving back is something that is incredibly important to us. On some of our products we give back to animal charities, by donating a percentage of the profits to help their organisations, rescue or help animals.

Our GEOMETRIC RABBIT BAG | Natural Organic Cotton is one of our products that benefits locally charities.

8 | MERRY & BRIGHT #ShopEthicalInstead

Spend time with family this holiday!

Candles always make us feel festive, for a cosy night in!!

Have a merry & bright season!

9 | TRADITION | #ShopEthicalInstead

Where we can we produce or outsource handmade products using traditional skills, we don't want craftsmanship to be a dying art form. Let's keep these beautiful skills

10 | GOOD GIFTS | #ShopEthicalInstead

Give thoughtful gifts such as:

- Your time

- Make memories

- Give experiences

- Give back

- Give useful functional gifts

- Handmade gifts

- Shop ethically

- Shop second hand or vintage

- Shop locally with small businesses

11 | ALL THAT GLISTENS

Nature is beautiful we need to protect it!

12 | WRAPPED IN LOVE #ShopEthicalInstead

We wrap our personal gifts in fabric offcuts. We have used binding off cuts as ribbon and attached vintage buttons for decorations.

Why not try ethical wrapping this year, avoid plastic where you can, try these ideas:

- Furoshiki traditional Japanese tradition of fabric wrapped and knotted together, you could use scarves, fabric off cuts or second hand material

- Brown paper you can hand decorate the paper, print, draw or write on it, use newspaper, packaging magazines

- Attach them together with washi tape recycled tape or brown paper tape which can be recycled, use twine, or string

- Decorate with recycled objects or found natural object like acorns, twigs, berries

13 | ETHICALLY MADE | #ShopEthicallyInsead

Our garments are handmade in the UK. We don't agree with slave labour or children making your clothing. We only use ethical factories, businesses and freelancers.

15 | CAUSES CLOSE TO MY HEART | #ShopEthicallyInstead

We support acts of kindness such as

- Donate to a food bank

- Provide clothing to the homeless

- Spend time with elderly neighbours

- Pick up litter

- Volunteer at Animal shelter

- Donate treats blankets and toys to an animal shelter

- Walk a neighbours dog

16 | GIVE GREEN GIFTS #ShopEthicalInstead

Give green gifts, that don’t cost the Earth!

17 | LOW IMPACT LIVING | #ShopEthicalInstead

Our garments are all very versatile they can be used for interchangeable pieces in a capsule collection. Being part of the ZARAMIA AVA brand guides you to help build a better world, avoiding mass production.

Aim to have a minimalist wardrobe, a capsule collection of key versatile pieces. Invest in durable quality pieces that will last and carry you through the seasons.

18 | PASS ON PLASTIC | #ShopEthicalInstead

Limit your plastic usage, use reusable bags instead, this is our Furoshiki style bag made out of our zero waste fabric off cuts.

What can we do to help:

| Refuse single use plastics

| Use reusable items such as water bottles, coffee cups, shopping bags, metal straws

| Shop organic natural materials avoid plastic fabrics

| If washing synthetic clothing put them in a net bag to catch the Micro fibres

| Wash clothing less, do spot cleaning instead of washing the whole garment and hang them out to dry

| Raise awareness

| Help with beach clean ups, local plastic clean ups

| Read labels and recycle

| Buy items in bulk in glass jars and avoid items wrapped in plastic

| Find out about your local recycling see what items you can recycle at home and which you can take to a recycling center.

We can all do more to save this planet. Our home.

19 | MORE MEANING | #ShopEthicalInstead

At ZARAMIA AVA we are more then just a fashion brand it’s a way of life!

Vegan, Slow Fashion, Zero Waste, Plastic Free, Minimalist, Cruelty after, Ethical, Sustainable

20 | HANDMADE | #ShopEthicalInstead

We value our products therefore most of our garments are made to order.

21 | SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES |

#ShopEthicalInstead

One of our ZARAMIA AVA stalls!

Show your support for small businesses, by shopping local, supporting independents. Give them moral support and encourage their creativity.

22 | LESS WASTE | #ShopEthicalInstead

Irish Linen Fabric!

At ZARAMIA AVA any fabric waste gets recycled and reused. We are zero waste from the very start to end product. Designing is done with zero waste in mind; pattern cutting and fabric cutting is done to eliminate the amount of waste.

23 | CONSCIOUS CONSUMERS | #ShopEthicalInstead

Sustainable luxury produced with zero waste, made for the fashion conscious with a conscience!

24 | EXPERIENCES NOT THINGS | #ShopEthicalInstead

We at ZARAMIA AVA are doing what we love. Follow your passion enjoy what you do, make memories

25 | ECO FRIENDLY | #ShopEthicalInstead

We mainly use natural fabrics, like this eco friendly sustainable Irish linen fabric.

26 | MINDFUL | #ShopEthicalInstead

We have just started our vitality for the mind venture, this section will raise awareness of mental health conditions, it will focus on positive self help lifestyle tips and guides, which will include mindfulness, exercises and meditation all linking into our sustainable fashion brand, there will be downloadable content for all to use as needed.

Here are some simple tips to boost these chemicals for overall well-being:

| Lower stress levels with self care

| Go for a walk outside

| Get consistent good sleep

| Eat well, a variety of foods with lots of vitamins, nutrients and protein

| Listen to music

| Regular exercise

| Spend some time in the sun

| Get a massage

| Learn to meditate

| Giving back, help others

27 | FAVOURITE ETHICAL FIND | #ShopEthicalInstead

Our favourite ethical find is the @ecosia website, they plant trees where needed most to combat climate change, by using their search engine to browse the web. They even tell you how many trees you have helped plant 🌱

28 | BLACK FRIDAY | #ShopEthicalInstead

We don’t take part in mass marketing campaigns like Black Friday or Cyber Monday or as it encourages over consumerism and excess waste. Purchasing items you don’t need at the cost of people and the planet is not ethical!

Let’s all wish for a more a sustainable future less consumerism and more thoughtful purchases.

29 | SHOP ETHICAL INSTEAD | #ShopEthicalinstead

Drowning in Plastic

November 10, 2018 in DOCUMENTARIES, TRAVEL

This documentary was a difficult watch, showing the devastating harm the accumulation of years of plastic has caused the environment and especially marine animals.

Image from https://www.bakerswaste.co.uk/drowning-in-plastic/

Some scenes were so distressing it was hard to watch, it’s heart-wrenching to see animals suffer from human consumption, the worst is it’s all preventable. We could have all stopped it from getting as bad as it currently is.

It was inspiring to see people trying to create inovative materials for plastic such as using seaweed, biodegradable products are the way forward especially for alternatives to single use plastics. The ocean clean up inventions looks very promising even though most are in the early stages, at lest there’s hope for cleaning the amount of waste destroying the oceans and marine life.

Marine life are often eating plastic and micro plastics instead of fish, mistaking plastic-bags for jelly fish. These plastics are terrible for there health, weighing birds down so they can’t fly slowing killing them. Most injury’s inflicted on the animals are due to them getting caught in plastic waste, leaving them with horrible injures or trapping them in the fishing nets. It is so severe it is effecting the food chain with plastics been found in remote places like Antarctica.

What can we do to help:

| Refuse single use plastics

| Use reusable items such as water bottles, coffee cups, shopping bags, metal straws

| Shop organic natural materials avoid plastic fabrics

| If washing synthetic clothing put them in a net bag to catch the Micro fibres

| Wash clothing less, do spot cleaning instead of washing the whole garment and hang them out to dry

| Raise awareness

| Help with beach clean ups, local plastic clean ups

| Read labels and recycle

| Buy items in bulk in glass jars and avoid items wrapped in plastic

| Find out about your local recycling see what items you can recycle at home and which you can take to a recycling center.

We can all do more to save this planet. Our home.

BBC plastic action

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bmbn47

Chasing Coral

October 17, 2018 in DOCUMENTARIES

Wow just wow!

I instantly clicked on this film on Netflix thinking I would see beautiful imagery of coral reefs. But instead I learned that climate change is killing these amazing coral reefs and we need to do something about it!

My first action is awareness, I didn't know that coal reef would be as bad as it is and I'm sure a lot of other people don't know either. So I'm telling you all to watch this program. The more awareness and education people have means we can all try do something to change us losing an amazing ecosystem and home for the aquamarine life.

25% of coral has been bleached (died) in 30 years which means another 30 years we might not have any coral reef

https://www.chasingcoral.com/

Want to take action read more about it here

https://www.chasingcoral.com/take-action/

Image credit:

http://geographical.co.uk/reviews/films/item/2361-chasing-coral

The Plant Room Launch at Colours May Vary!

August 05, 2018 in EXHIBITION

The Plant Room launch was a great exhibition, it was held at Colours May Vary, an independent shop based in Leeds at Munro House. It is an amazing space for exhibitions, it also sells some unique products, books and art.

www.coloursmayvary.com

At the exhibition there was some brilliant illustrations done by Leeds based artist Lucy Ketchin

@LucyKetchin

www.lucyketchin.co.uk

There was also great array of beautiful plants and succulents from The Plant Room, they worked really well in the exhibition, giving it a very natural look, you could also purchase the plants.

@ThePlantRoom

www.thearchipelagopress.co.uk

The launch night was hosted with some tasty drinks, local gin from Harewood House it was delicious, there was also a mock tail version.

The arrangement of plants, art and products near the window was fascinating, it looked like a set design with the draped fabric.

We throughly enjoyed the exhibition and we can’t wait to see what comes next to Colours May Vary!

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Earth Overshoot Day!

August 01, 2018 in EVENTS, SUSTAINABLE, ZERO WASTE

What is earth overshoot day?

All the natural resources that the earth can provide us for the year have already been used up this year today on the 1st August 5 months earlier this is disgraceful. All the resources we use from now on are taken from the earth.

Plastic Pollution

January 11, 2018 in ZERO WASTE

The ban on plastic micro beads has eventually happened in the UK. This is a massive step forward in the right direction, we are now hoping the same ban will be happening soon for single use plastics!

What are microbeads?

Micro beads are small beads of plastic usually found in products like face scrubs and toothpastes. They are not degradable, once these plastic beads are made they last forever, so you can imagine how many are already in circulation today.

What is wrong with microbeads, why are they harmful?

When using products with mircobeads in them, such as a face scrub, they are then washed away with water so these micro beads enter the water system. This then ends up in the sea, all sea life are eating these micro beads thinking it’s food, when in fact it is harmfull plastics which they cannot digest. Then humans who choose to eat fish are actually ingesting plastic contaminated fish.

The great thing is they are now banned to be used in products, but this doesn’t solve the problem of the thousands of microbeads already in the world, harming nature and the wildlife.

Read more about the microbeads ban here:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/09/plastic-microbeads-ban-enters-force-in-uk?CMP=share_btn_fb

Single-use Plastics

Image from https://inhabitat.com/tag/plastic-pollution/

The other main problem with plastics are single-use plastics.

What are single-use plastics ?

These are plastics that are made to only use once then thrown away. Items such as: bottles of water, coffee cups, plastic straws, plastic cutlery, shopping bags, takaway containers and packaging.

Why are single-use plastics bad to use?.

There is quiet a few reasons Single-use Plastics are bad for the environment. They are not biodegradable the life span of a plastic bottle is 450 years. All the plastics that were ever made are still around today. Most people don’t recycle them correctly and they end up as landfill. It is destroying all our ecosystems, leaching toxins into the environment. Animals are eating these plastics thinking there food which is bad for their health and lifespan.

Image from http://www.spotusa.org/recycle.html

The most heartbreaking thing is this can all be avoided!

What you can do to use less plastic?

- Invest in a reusable water bottle & coffee cup (some coffee shops give you discount if you bring your own cup)

- Be aware of packaging when purchasing food, you can get the same fruit and veg without the excess plastic.

- Take a reusable shopping bag with you everywhere, to save buying a plastic bag.

- Change your hand-wash, body wash and shampoo to solid bars of soap.

- Purchase a bamboo toothbrush.

- Refuse to use straws when you’re out, you can also buy reusable metal straws.

- If you still have some plastic at least recycle them correctly.

There is so much you can do you reduce your plastic usage and help the planet.

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Pom to the People Exhibition!

October 25, 2017 in EVENTS, EXHIBITION, SUSTAINABLE

The Pom to the People Exhibition was shown at the Gallery at 164 in Leeds.

It was called Pom to the people by Stitch up. Stitch up are a social enterprise, keeping the value of craft alive, they run local workshops for all things handmade, teaching people who are eager to lean new skills crafting.

The exhibit showed lots of colourful handmade pom poms transformed into typography artwork. The Pom poms were made from various workshops held by Stitch Up. They were very sustainable and used scrap yarn and material, recycling the yarn into amazing artwork.

Normally typography is harsh and sharp in 2D form, but with this artwork it had a soft edge to it as it. made up of colourful fluffy Pom Poms, showing texture and a 3D element.

I particularly liked the Love art, this was made up of four separate letters, its very versatile, you could move the pieces horizontal to have the artwork shown in a different way.

There was also a long piece of paper in the middle of the exhibition saying what makes you happy? There was all these colourful answers. manly people answered saying their pets made them happy. This was a great activity to get involved in.

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ZARAMIA AVA now available at The Veg Out Cafe

July 20, 2017 in CRUELTY FREE, SUSTAINABLE, EVENTS, ZERO WASTE

A vegetarian & vegan pop up cafe and art space displaying local artists, this is a great idea!

Situated at 33a Lands Lane Leeds ( where the Candy Heroes Shop used to be )

The pop up is running for 6 weeks from 3rd July to 13th August.

The food is by the Grub and Grog shop all Vegan and vegetarian, you can also purchase local produce vegetables, herbs and plants.

There are workshops, exhibitions and visuals throughout the 6 weeks. All available to view and book, on the Veg Out cafe event on Facebook.

Their Ethos is Constantly evolving promoting sustainability and zero waste which is in line with the ZARAMIA AVA Ethos.

Showcasing local artists with some amazing products. You can find all sorts from ceramics to hanging plants, beautifully illustrated designs to geometric jewellery & fashion.

ZARAMIA AVA IDENTITY unisex products such as:

+ Versatile oversized t-shirts locally screen printed, they can be worn in many ways, they come in white, black and grey. Packaged in ZARAMIA AVA branded, biodegradable brown paper bags.

+ Laser cut geometric jewellery in a variety of sizes and lengths. Made with hemptique cord which is naturally dyed with no chemicals, all zero waste and locally produced. Available in gold, black, mirrored gold and walnut wood. Choose from small, medium or a large size logo in 2 different lengths. Packaged in ZARAMIA AVA branded biodegradable cardboard boxes.

+Locally made metallic pocket mirrors with a variety of geometric designs to choose from. Packaged in ZARAMIA AVA branded 100% ethical linen drawstring bags.

+ Locally Handmade Crocheted Pom Pom beanie hats with vegan acrylic yarn available in black and gold & black. Packaged in ZARAMIA AVA branded biodegradable brown paper bags.

All also available online at www.ZaraMiaAva.com/identity

Links

www.facebook.com/vegoutleeds

www.twitter.com/vegoutleeds

http://www.grubandgrog.co.uk/events/vegout

http://www.leedsinspired.co.uk/events/veg-out-cafe

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Disobedient Bodies | The Hepworth Gallery

July 13, 2017 in EXHIBITION

Disobedient bodies: JW Anderson curated the Hepworth galley

The human form represented in art and fashion gender played a big role in the pieces throughout the exhibition.

Fashion pieces from some great designers Rei Kawakubo, Commes Des Garçons and Issey Miyake to name a few.

This was a great exhibition

Themes included were:

Gender

Morphing bodies

Shape

Construction

The Balenciaga Exhibition: Shaping Fashion at the V&A

June 10, 2017 in EXHIBITION, FASHION

Balenciaga exhibition: Shaping Fashion was held at the V&A museum in London it was truly amazing.

The exhibition was separated into 2 parts. We started upstairs as it was quiet busy downstairs. The upstairs part of the exhibition showed how Balenciaga shaped the modern fashion industry, and how he influenced fashion designers throughout the years. The layout was very modern and minimalist in a large spacious area.

The exhibition was split up into categories such as cut, minimalism, perfection, volume and drape. Within these categories were large glass boxes which held the modern designers take on the words influenced by Balenciaga.

There was a great video on designers talking about how Balenciaga inspired them and their Collections.

The downstairs section of the exhibition showed the history of Balenciaga. From his loyal clients to his catwalk shows. This part of the exhibition was a contrast to upstairs, shown with more of a historical look.

There was an area where you could try on a cape which was a particular pattern made by balenciaga himself and see how you would wear the garment, as a skirt, dress, cape.

Walking around the exhibition they showed clothing made in toiles then the garment made in delicate fabrics and vivid colours. They also had an X-ray image of the dresses as a background, this was very interesting it gave a modern feel to the exhibition, mixed among the historical artefacts. The X-ray showed the inside of the garments, all the detailing and some even has pins that had been mistakenly left inside.

Mini videos were dotted around the exhibition showing the separate pattern pieces that made up the garment and how they were assembled to the finished garment, these videos where very intriguing, you got lost watching them. Even the simplest of patterns made the most exquisite dresses.

There was a section of the exhibition where you could make your very own one seam coat out of origami, it showed the appeal of zero waste and the simplicity of shape but most of all it showed how much thought went into the designing and pattern cutting process.

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Modern Japanese Design Exhibition & Material World Debate!

March 30, 2017 in TRAVEL, SUSTAINABLE, EVENTS

Modern Japanese Design Exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery!

This was one of the reasons we went to Manchester, I have been looking forward to this exhibition for a while, as I'm very inspired by Japanese culture and their values.

The exhibition was situated at the Manchester Art Gallery. The art gallery was showing room after room of paintings. One modern painting in particular caught my eye.

The painting showed Skulls growing out of a plant, this was painted on reclaimed wood which was a great contrast and an interesting material. The image itself played on the idea of the living & the dead.

Roses 2007

Jai Redman an inspiring artist, an environmental activist with thought provoking art.

We walked up to the Modern Japanese Design exhibition area on the third floor.

The exhibition was in a spacious room. On the right hand side there was this beautiful arrangement of clothing and interior design pieces. The colour scheme was monochrome with hints of bright red, the concept was very pleasing to look at. This exhibition was showing the work of great designers such as Issey Myiake, Rei Kawakubo.

The garments were a mixture of draping and 3D shapes.

I wasn't so keen on the way garments that were placed in the middle, of the room. There was no colour scheme involved, the garments looked like they needed ironed, they just didn't sit well together, which was a shame.

Among the exhibition there were Japanese definitions on the walls, which were great to read.

Among the exhibits there was a variation of clay items that were transformed into geometric shapes, which resembled pleating.

There was also plastic art, made out of recycled PET bottles, they were formed into geometric shapes that could be flat packed and opened out.

Wandered about Chinatown!

Basically a row of Chinese restaurants takaway and gift shops which where very cute, selling all sorts of gifts. The main reason we went was to look at the immense Chinese gate.

Afflecks Palace

A building that's full of creativity. You could spend hours in there getting lost. The best thing was whilst walking up the stairs they had thought provoking words advertising no derogatory labels.

https://www.afflecks.com/

Image credit: http://www.johnmeephotography.com/return-to-afflecks-palace/

Bundobust

We visited bundobust for a quick snack, the restaurant was a lot bigger than the Leeds venue. It was between 12-4pm so we were able to get 2 dishes for £7 they tasted delicious and were quite filling, my favourite dish was the okra fries. They have a great variety of vegan options which is great!

http://www.bundobust.com/manchester/

Material World Panel Debate at Selfridges

Whilst we were walking around the venue we spotted signs on the rails of designers for the Material World campaign. I was slightly disappointed there wasn't a whole concession/area specifically for material World. The talk was on the menswear floor next to the community clothing concession. We were welcomed to the event with a champagne reception also elderflower and raspberry drink for the non drinkers. It was one of the most intriguing and thought provoking events I have attended.

Talking about all things sustainable and what the panellist do to retain a sustainable business. They offered advice on what emerging designers could do to be sustainable.

Read more about Selfridges sustainability policy here:

http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/features/info/sustainability

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The Minimalist Documentary

October 05, 2016 in DOCUMENTARIES, ZERO WASTE

One of the most inspiring documentaries I have seen in a while. Definitely worth a watch.

For the authors to have been in well paid business jobs but yet not completely happy was unusual, as your first thoughts are if you have money you are happy.

This was not the case, leaving their high profile jobs and living a minimal lifestyle has made them happy and appreciate life. They are now touring around the world with their book, spreading the word of minimalism.

It is a revolutionary new movement that is becoming more and more apt for our busy lives. People are wanting to live a simpler life, a life more than material objects.

‘With shopping habits people have a gaping void they feel like they need to fill with stuff to make them feel better, which is where consumer purchases come in. But after all their shopping sprees they are still longing for more.’

If you think about it with all the stuff you have hoarded in your life how much do you actually use? The point the guys were saying is does it have a value to you? does it mean something to you? is it functional?

If not then you don't need it! Get rid of it sell it, recycle it, give it to a charity. Free yourself of clutter for a happier life.

Project 33.3

This is such a great concept, to prove you do not need fast fashion. Fast fashion does not pay true ecological costs, this and lack of paid labour is harming the planet and the people that make the fabrics and garments. Slow fashion is the way forward. Be sustainable. Being able to produce a capsule wardrobe wearing 33 interchangeable pieces of clothing, shoes and accessories to wear for 3 months. And repeat.

'Just don't buy anything! '

Not only is this an ethical way of dressing, this is great for creative, busy people. By having more time in the morning, not thinking about how to put together outfits and what accessories they can put them with. It's already thought out and you can easily grab a few items and know whatever you pick up they will automatically go together within your capsule wardrobe. Who wouldn't want more time!

Image from https://bemorewithless.com/project-333/

Credits

https://bemorewithless.com/project-333/

Tiny Houses

People were living their life depending on how big their houses were, buying more and more stuff to fill their huge empty houses, there is no need to have more than what you actually need.

‘Affordability, simplicity, sustainability. Do more with less. Small spaces makes sense environmentally.’

Tammy Stroble founder of tiny houses which are social homes. ‘In the end it isn't about the size of your house or how you can move it around it's about mindful choices, it's about flexibility and freedom spending time with loved ones.’

Image from http://www.rowdykittens.com/2017/10/tinyjam/

Credits

http://www.rowdykittens.com/our-tiny-house/

Exile Lifestyle

Collin wright is a full time traveller he stated a blog to record his travels, which is now his job as a nomade traveller. He is giving homeless a different meaning. All he possesses is what he carries on him traveling from place to place. This is such an amazing concept. He owns no home but yet isn’t homeless, he is a minimalist nomade showing people how you don’t need to be stuck in one place with all your useless possessions, he is traveling the world with all he needs in his backpack.

Image from https://www.theminimalists.com/exile/

Credits

http://exilelifestyle.com

After watching this documentary it opened my eyes to mass consumerism. We don’t need to buy things to make us content. We can be more than happy, with a simple clutter free lifestyle. Have a think when you next go shopping, see whether any of the links listed can help you get more organised and pro active in a happy minimal lifestyle.

‘Live life with less!’

Credits

http://www.theminimalists.com

Watch the film here https://minimalismfilm.com/

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The True Cost Documentary

September 11, 2016 in ZERO WASTE, DOCUMENTARIES

Image from https://truecostmovie.com/‘This is a story about clothing. It’s about the clothes we wear, the people who make them, and the impact the industry is having on our world. The price of clothing has been decreasing for decades, while the huma… — Image from https://truecostmovie.com/
‘This is a story about clothing. It’s about the clothes we wear, the people who make them, and the impact the industry is having on our world. The price of clothing has been decreasing for decades, while the human and environmental costs have grown dramatically. The True Cost is a groundbreaking documentary film that pulls back the curtain on the untold story and asks us to consider, who really pays the price for our clothing?
Filmed in countries all over the world, from the brightest runways to the darkest slums, and featuring interviews with the world’s leading influencers including Stella McCartney, Livia Firth and Vandana Shiva, The True Cost is an unprecedented project that invites us on an eye opening journey around the world and into the lives of the many people and places behind our clothes’
Extract from https://truecostmovie.com/

Watching this film changed everything, from my personal life to my business. It was shocking to watch! It made me realise how much fashion plays a huge part in ruining the Earth, as well as the lives of people involved within the fashion industry. From people that live near factories, that leak out chemicals into the water supply, slave labour from children, to people working every hour of the day for little to no money, fashion has ruined people lives. Consumers should to be aware of this!

In the documentary it revisits the horror that was the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in 2013, bringing fashion factory workers health and safety to the forefront of the news around the world.

People buy into fast fashion so easily without considering the impact. Designers & brands used to only produce 2 collections a year, now it’s 52, a collection out each week of the year, it just shows how bad fast fashion has got.

Ask yourself a few questions when you next go shopping: How can this t-shirt only cost £5? How was the fabric grown and produced? Where was the the garment produced? Who made the garment? Are they getting paid fairly? What is the carbon footprint of this item? The most important question is Can I make a difference?

After watching the documentary it made me realise that I can make a difference, being a fashion designer. I can make changes for the better. Showing consumers that you can have luxury contemporary fashion that is also ethically made and sustainably produced. I am hoping other businesses realise that they can make a change for the better.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Is it difficult to become a fully sustainable business? Yes it is but it was the best thing we ever did. Everything is a learning curve, we are always trying new ideas and improving to make things better.

We were already using end of roll fabrics, these fabrics would otherwise end up as landfill waste, and we were producing garments in house, but we knew we could do more.

Zero waste is also a move we wanted to do for a while, by using fabric in the most economical way. Also rather then only recycling the fabric waste, we are now recycling everything from patten paper, card, and branding materials. If we are outsourcing a product we make sure the business has the same ethics as us, and rather them then discarding the waste, we ask them to send it to us for us to reuses or recycle, we do this so we are fully knowledgeable of where the waste ends up.

We are aiming to be be a transparent business. What we mean by that is if a customer asks where were their garments produced & where the fabric was made, we want to be able to answer that question confidently. Currently all our organic fabrics are all fully traceable. We at ZARAMIA AVA have also since gone vegan to have the least carbon footprint as we can. Going vegan as a business makes you question everything from the fabrics to the dyes, prints and packaging.

Read our Ethos here www.ZaraMiaAva.com/Ethos

Links:

A film by Andrew Morgan

https://truecostmovie.com/

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ARBONNE Makeup Beauty Review

September 03, 2016 in CRUELTY FREE, BEAUTY

ARBONNE

Pure. Safe. Beneficial

NO Parabens, NO Dyes, NO Waxes, NO Acetone, NO Formaldehyde, NO Phthalates, NO Mineral Oil, NO Chemical Fragrances, NO Toluene, NO Petroleum, NO PABA, NO Animal Products or By-Products, NO Harmful Levels Of Chemicals

With all these facts why wouldn't you use ARBONNE?

I have tested and reviewed some of the ARBONNE products, this image is the finished look using the beauty products.

This is the lovely package I received to review the products love the personal touch.

Makeup Primer

- This was one of the smoothest primers I have ever used.

- Easy to apply, a little goes a long way.

- You could apply the makeup straight after the primer as it dried very quickly.

- Makeup stayed on longer with the primer.

Perfecting Liquid Foundation

Colour Soft blush from the Cool section

- This is a great foundation one of the best I have used, it is light and very easy to apply.

- It has a mat powered finish which is good if you have a slight shine to your skin.

- Lasted all day.

- This is a great foundation with amazing coverage, I would definitely recommend it.

Perfecting Liquid Foundation

Colour Alabaster from the Cool section

- I used this under my eyes as a highlighter worked a treat.

It's A Long Story Mascara

- Loved the comb shape brush, it was easy to apply and could get right to the roots of the lashes.

- Versatile, you can just have a thin layer or build it up for thicker lashes.

- Unusually it smells like honey even though it's vegan, it's not an unpleasant smell but slightly confused me.

- This is a great mascara I would definitely recommend it.

It's All in the Eyes Eye Shadow

Colours used storm, Quartz & oak

- As these were samples I just applied and blended with cotton buds, you would get a better coverage with a makeup brush.

- Lasted all day which was great.

- My favourite colour was storm as it was a satin shade it gave it a better finish than the Matt ones.

Energy Fizz Sticks

- I like how the drink is vegan and packed full of vitamins.

- I wasn't too keen on the taste of the drink it reminded me of Berocca. It was drinkable but not enjoyable I think if it was chilled or with ice added it would be more enjoyable.

Invigorating Body Cleanser

- This was a great cleanser a little went a long way. It was a rich consistently and lathered well.

- It has a citrus smell notes of grapefruit, orange and lemon

Conditioning Body Moisturiser

- Smooth moisturiser goes on easily and has good coverage.

- It has a citrus smell notes manily orange then hints of grapefruit and lemon.

- Long lasting fragrance, skin still feels as smooth as when it was first applied.

A close up image of the makeup products I have tested.

After a full day of wearing makeup I took a picture to show how well it lasted.

Thanks to Marie Connolly from ARBONNE. This is a quality brand and their ethical ethos is to be commended. I would definitely recommend this brand and my favourite product is the Mascara.

Need an honest review on your ethical/sustainable product email info@zaramiaava.com

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Trip to London - Meet the Manufacturer

June 30, 2016 in TRAVEL

Last minute trip to London!

Meet the manufacture trade show on Brick Lane at the Old Truman Brewery!

It was great to meet all the suppliers and talk to people one to one. We came away with bags full of information, leaflets and business cards.

http://meetthemanufacturer.co.uk

There was some amazing artwork on Bricklane I just had to take some pictures.

Then down to Chelsea for The Good Place Summer Party, followed by trip to Brixton for Sugar & Style festival party, with a Japanese meal at Okan in the Brixton village market!

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Iris Apfel Documentary

October 19, 2015 in DOCUMENTARIES

The Iris Apfel documentary was inspiring to watch.

At the 'young' age of 93 Iris is the ultimate fashion icon, known recently for her ability to style accessories. Also for the notorious collections sourced from her travels around the world, whilst working as a interior designer, and her production of historical fabric & restoration design.

In the interview Iris speaks of individuality being lost these days, with people not expressing themselves, whatever age they are.

"Every time I do it I do it in a different way" she speaks about how she puts things together, saying how it’s a gut feeling.

Iris says it’s all about getting dressed and ready for the party not just being at the party.

In her past people used to always tell her she was not pretty, and she’ll never be pretty but she has style. She clung to the styling aspect, and that itself has made her who she is today.

A good simple black dress is the best garment to have as you can dress it up or dress it down, and how you can wear it so many ways just by styling it with accessories.

Iris still goes out and chooses her accessories herself in the documentary. As she is haggling in an African clothing shop she says the buyers get angry if you don't haggle as if they could have sold it at any price. She combines nice, ugly, cheap and chic accessories to make the perfect look. Whatever the price or wherever Iris sources her accessories or clothing, the way she puts them together makes them look expensive. Iris is able to style them in a way that transforms an outfit. She is renowned for the largest collection of costume jewellery that she lends to exhibitions.

Iris mentions that everything comes back in fashion from the past if you wait around long enough. So that’s a reminder: don't throw anything out just in case it’s the next big thing in fashion.

Iris is a very busy lady, always being involved with photoshoots for magazines, such as Dazed & Confused, interviews and exhibitions that host her jewellery.

Iris has brought out a jewellery collection Rara Avis by Iris Apfel Rara Avis in Latin means rare bird.

Not only has Iris got a Jewellery range she is launching a shoe range in February. The shoes are practical, comfortable and encompass everything Iris stands for in a shoe, bright, bold with a great attention to detail

Everything today is interrelated. You can tell with any garment from the past how it is affected by the period and what is happening at that time, such as with the 1940s when there were rations because the war women used to draw lines up their legs to pretend they had tights on.

I want to leave you with this statement by Iris:

What are you inspired by? What drives you? What feeds you? Be curious with a sense of humour!

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About The Blog

September 14, 2015 in CRUELTY FREE

Hello Readers!

I am ZARAMIA AVA Contemporary Womenswear & Menswear Sustainable Designer.

This is a blog for the fashion-conscious, told from the perspective of a fashion designer.

You were drawn to this blog's content for a reason. Through fashion related topics, together I want us to change the perceived 'normal' and do our part to make the world a better place.

This blog will be engaging and thought provoking. My aim is for you to leave feeling empowered & inspired, with an awareness of what fashion is really doing to the world to prove there is a better way. I will imprint my knowledge onto you, guiding you through step by step advice on making a capsule collection, styling tips, DIY videos. Showing you a glimpse into the behind the scenes of a sustainable fashion designer.

I will be sharing my thoughts, writing in depth reviews on news, events, film/documentary, fashion shows. Talking about all things Fashion, Art, Eco & Culture related.

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