CARMEN ARTIGAS

WHAT:

Sustainable Fashion Designer, Consultant and Educator

WHY:

The issues are great- from energy consumption, toxicity, waste and water pollution to population growth — that we must accelerate the creation of sustainable brands. Specifically, by engaging conscious consumers and offering them a more effective way to gain perspective. Exploring new ideas and identifying opportunities in any number of areas, from supply chain optimization and certification to sustainable design, category growth and positioning strategies.

HOW:

By providing design direction to solve challenges related to developing sustainable products and adhering to transparency and traceability in the supply chain while showing companies how to responsibly improve environmental impact throughout the manufacturing lifecycle and expand productivity by enhancing working conditions.

EXPERIENCE:

Working in India with certified organic cotton and natural dyes in 1999 introduced me to the challenges of developing sustainable products. I met those challenges and successfully presented my product line at Biofach, in Germany. Working in product development with international non-profits that utilize local craft skills led me to understand the need to protect crafts on the verge of extinction. These non-profits include the United Nations SEWA project, which creates job security for women. My experiences in countries such as Mexico, India, China and Italy exposed me to diverse working conditions.

I succesfully developed curriculums for courses on Ethical Fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Parsons and PRATT. I continue to advocate for craftsmanship and endangered crafts, and to redefine terms such as "made-in" and "made-by".

I'm interested in being contacted about:

• Solving challenges related to developing sustainable products adhering to transparency and traceability in the supply chain

• Market research, design strategy, brand re-engineering and fieldwork

• Product development through non-profits that safeguard traditional techniques and craft skills

• Lecturing and speaking engagements