people, helping people.
A fashion brand giving young people a helping hand through social entrepreneurship.
Published On: 31/03/2022
Off the back of the recent Berlin fashion week - we wanted to tell you about a local (Berlin) label that is investing in all of the right places. Aptly named, People, this label is helping at-risk youth gain a sense of community, achievement and self-efficacy through the collaborative process of clothes making.
‘People’ is a brilliant example of social entrepreneurship founded by the German charity, KARUNA; an ingenious social initiative based on the concept of supporting kids with difficult backgrounds by providing a safe space for their joint creative power.
Earing design by People: edition 04. Image credit: Jana Gerberding
Through acts of emotional support, generosity, social participation and human connection, KARUNA works with youth experiencing homelessness, drug addiction or mental health issues. KARUNA has been offering unconditional shelter, protection, and love to children in need since 1990. 100% of the proceeds from all pieces created under the ‘People' label are donated back to the initiative.
“Together with a team of kids who struggle with drug addiction, mental illness or homelessness, two fashion designers create annual editions of design objects and sartorial pieces that capture the essence of a universal desire: inclusivity.” - People
People: edition 03. Image credit: Jana Gerberding
Not only does this concept empower youth, the designs are also beautifully crafted with in-season colours, fabrics and cuts and are well worthy of the runway. And while many fashion brands keep the identity of their garment workers anonymous, ’People’ celebrates and exhibits the names of each individual creating the pieces.
“People believes in fashion as a thriving force to positive change. People gives structure and hope to others in difficult situations. People celebrates diversity and the beauty of being unique.”
(People, 2022)
People: edition 05. Image credit: Jana Gerberding
In a world currently overshadowed by crisis, the indulgence of fashion can feel irrelevant; however, those working with textiles and fashion need to do their part in working within the boundaries of our planetary resources, pay and treat workers fairly and become a force for good. ‘People’ is a brilliant example of how this can be achieved.
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People: edition 05. Image credit: Jana Gerberding
Inclusivity is a powerful force and it is something we aspire to every day at our studio. We have great respect for the work of ‘People’ and KURUNA. If you work with a similar initiative and would like to share it with our readers, get in touch - we’d love to hear from you.
drop us a line at workwithus@toitoitoiluv.com
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KARUNA is currently providing extra support for those fleeing the violence in Ukraine. For details on these initiatives, to volunteer and/or donate, head to their website: https://cms.karuna-ev.de/
For more information on the great work of ‘People’, head over to their website: ‘People’ at: http://peoplepeoplepeople.de/archive
Photography: Jana Gerberding via peoplepeoplepeople.de
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