49 WWW.CHARLESTONWOMENPODCAST.COM | WWW.READCW.COM | WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CHARLESTONWOMEN Photo by Caroline Howard Gibbes Museum's Sew Surreal fashion show. Fall Fashion WITH PURPOSE Charleston brands making a difference through style BY EMILY ETHERIDGE PHILANTHROPY Fashion is more than a way to clothe our bodies — it's a powerful form of expression that can reflect cultures, beliefs and values. These Charleston-area businesses prove that style and substance go hand-in-hand, using fashion as a force for positive change around the world. From supporting orphanages in West Africa to helping foster children in our own backyard, these brands show that looking good and doing good aren't mutually exclusive. THESE BRANDS PROVE THAT CONSCIOUS CONSUMERS CAN LOOK FABULOUS WHILE MAKING A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD. Francis + Benedict Francis and Benedict Avoyi are the founders and partners behind Francis + Benedict, a nonprofit organization working to make a generational impact in Togo, West Africa. Their goal is to empower community leaders and provide skilled Togolese with sustainable employment that positively impacts individuals and their communities. Through their website, customers can purchase clothing and participate in their “Advocate Starter Kit” program, knowing that all profits support projects benefiting orphanages, impoverished families and widows in Togo. Kiku Refashion Kiku Refashion lives up to its slogan of “one-of-a-kind, wearable art” thanks to the dynamic mother-daughter duo Susu Smythe and Nancy Clair. In a world of fast fashion, Susu and Nancy’s love for the classic kimono celebrates beauty and art by taking traditional silk garments and refashioning them for the modern woman. They pride themselves on being eco-friendly, sustainable and supporters of green fashion. They also participate in charitable donations and partner with charities to create trunk shows and raise funds. Beauty, grace and zero waste — Kiku Refashion wraps all of these values in gorgeous silk garments. Kim Lolley Born and raised in the South, Kim Lolley created her clothing line to bring vintage-inspired styles back into the modern world with pops of color and patterns that are Lowcountry classics. She created her online store to promote a cause close to her heart. With 10 percent of all proceeds going to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, her goal is to help women feel beautiful in their clothes while supporting children in crisis. Little Bird Stunning 14-karat gold chains and charms inspired by the Colorado wilderness and Charleston’s gentle coast — that’s what Little Bird Jewelry represents. Each piece is handcrafted with care by Laura Cohen at their Queen Street location in historic downtown Charleston. Every aspect of their jewelry collections is designed to bring out the inner light of the wearer while supporting foster care communities. They donate 10 percent of their profits to Fostering Great Ideas, a nonprofit focused on helping foster children. Little Bird embodies stylish, minimalist jewelry that makes a big impact on young lives. Photo by Vera Djackova of Photo Jazz
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