Building a Fair-Trade Fashion Line Out of ‘Pride, Not Pity’
Harper Poe, a South Carolina-based designer, on the dangers of using another person's story to sell a dress or a handbag
In a world of fast fashion, sustainable-fashion brands tout their dedication to transparent and ethical production. While goods from these companies can be expensive, the goal is to pay producers a living wage while creating fashionable, high-quality clothing.
As resistance to fast fashion was picking up, Harper Poe graduated from college and started a day job that didn’t inspire her. She quit, and with a friend went on to found Proud Mary Global Textiles, a company that sells fair-trade accessories, home goods, and clothing. She partners with artisans in countries such as Mali and Mexico known for quality handcrafts. Before Poe launched Proud Mary’s first collection
