Watch how rising star Viktoria Modesta catches Trafalgar Square's attention as she models in one of Ada Zandition's amazing pieces. I'm most certainly a fan, and as more ethical designers are being seen on the major stage of the Fashion Week franchise, we are hopeful that the larger brands will jump on board to a more conscious approach to fashion.

Also, take a look at Ada Zandition's AW13 Catwalk show at Berlin's 

You can imagine how excited we are about Fairtrade Fortnight 2013, and how even more excited that our favourite fairtrade chocolate brand, DIVINE, is entering the mix. This could not come any sooner, after a previous post on the bitter reality of the chocolate industry, we are glad to show that there is some good in this sweet morsel. As a result, we are advertising this event as part of The Conscience Collective's list of events and activities we will be taking part in. [Check out our Facebook Events Page for updates on other events and let us know if you will be joining us].

Shared Assets is looking for a creative, hardworking intern to join their new social enterprise. You will be excited by their vision of creating a 21^st century commons, and committed to social and environmental justice. You’ll be organised and enterprising, with well-honed research skills and a flexible attitude and approach.

You may be interested in developing a career in social enterprise, regeneration, or environmental management. You might be a recent graduate, or looking to change career. You’ll be keen to make an impact in a small team, and always looking for creative opportunities to develop our new business.

Shared Assets is a new social enterprise that exists to promote and support increased community management of environmental assets such as waterways, green spaces, woodlands, and coastal areas. We believe significant new environmental and public benefits can be gained through increased collaboration between community enterprises and landowners.

Our vision is the creation of a 21^st century commons.

We undertake research, support and develop projects, and carry out consultancy to support our aims and vision.

To bring additional capacity to the Shared Assets core team, providing particular support on research, social media and event organisation.

People Tree are hiring a QC Volunteer

People Tree is a high profile Fair Trade fashion label with mail order, online, wholesale and retail operations in Britain and Japan. They work with 50 Fair Trade groups in 7 developing countries to produce a stylish collection that respects people and planet.

You will be assisting the QC manager in measuring production garments and also checking that the garments are of the highest standard. This will include checking; buttons, zips finishes, seams and print quality etc. Also on occasion you will be required to assist with repair work such as unpicking and hand sewing labels into garments. You will be working on your feet for most of the day; so if you have back problems this role will not suit you.

Selina Cheong S/S 13 Collection

SELINA CHEONG greeted me at her door in a second-hand Gharani Strok Dress, which matched her personality to the T. It was bohemian, yet chic, and told of an easiness that one covets in a friend. I first met Selina Cheong at Ecoluxe's Showroom during London Fashion Week S/S'13, whilst perusing the plethora of ethical designers and their merchandise. They were luxurious, elegant, and fun all at the same time, with a serious craftsmanship to be reckoned with.
She offered me some green tea before taking a tour of her home, which was a juxtaposition between modern fixtures and vintage and repurposed accents. Her house, which she owns with her partner, is filled with repurposed items, from the old newspapers that once insulated the walls and floors which are now works of art, to the beautiful stain glass window which now reflects a spectrum of colourful rays into the house. Even her rug told a story of her consideration for the objects she surrounds herself with--a vegetable tanned Persian rug, which left me wanting one of my very own. After showing me the other repurposed and upcycled items in her home, we walked up another flight of stairs to her home studio for an initial look around and a chat about what led her into designing luxury bags.

Taken by Stacy H. [iPhone]

As we talked about her bags, she took me through her current and previous collections, which did not disappoint. She even took out a light metallic piece of leather, which she revealed was vintage Chanel that she found in a warehouse in France. I found myself drawn to all of them as her bags range from work suitable to party perfect. The range of leathers--ranging in the most striking colours and textures--did not hurt as well, which gave her consumers a variety as well as a chance to have a bespoke bag.

Now, I was in her studio drinking her tea and exchanging stories about our other halves. We found shared interests in many things, which momentarily made me forget why I was really there. The Interview. What follows is further insight into Selina Cheong's world as a luxury bag designer, her sustainable ethos, which makes her bags aesthetically and ethically pleasing, and what inspires this small business owner to keep on pushing towards a more sustainable way of approaching fashion and accessories.