The brainchild of HeatherJean MacNeil, Proxy Apparel was founded with the mission of creating sustainable fashion while empowering women through sweat-shop free and fair trade labor practices. MacNeil’s company now works with worker-owned cooperatives in Peru, Guatemala and Nicaragua, crafting cool, socially responsible apparel and accessories and helping the women in those areas to expand their businesses and strengthen their communities.
Recently HeatherJean sent us some pictures of the women at the UPAVIM co-op in Guatemala working on their own version of BurdaStyle’s Charlie Bag called the Everyday Proxy Bag.
The UPAVIM group also whipped up a version of our Franzi Vest called the Chic Military Chaleco, which is now available, along with the bag, for purchase on the Proxy web store!
Thanks to HeatherJean and all the women at UPAVIM for incorporating BurdaStyle into their project, and be sure to check out the Proxy website to learn more about what they’re doing to promote fair trade, sustainability and fashion through this fantastic cooperative.
Nov 16, 2010, 09.15 PMby artthrob
Congratulations HeatherJean! Great to see another business countering the exploitation model.
Nov 16, 2010, 07.17 PMby maricarmenrosal
It´s just amazing! I live in Guatemala City, I am very proud to know that these women are working so hard to make a living out from this gorgeous products.
Brgards,
Maricarmen
Nov 12, 2010, 02.50 PMby squirrellypoo
What a cool story! thanks for reporting on these guys…