TISSONS LA SOLIDARITÉ: FASHION WITH A PURPOSE

By Crash redaction

FASHION HELPING WOMEN: TISSONS LA SOLIDARITÉ

On December 8th, the French initiative for the rehabilitation of women in the job market through the textile industry, Tissons la Solidarité, presented the biannual collection of its label called « La Griffe » in Paris’ Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Sponsored by Christian Lacroix, the association was created in 2004 and grew to present its first fashion show in 2010. The aim of Tissons la Solidarité is simple: guarantee the durability of employment. Directed by Emmanuel Aubry, the project consists in creating two collections a year in a professional setting with women from all over France in need of professional rehabilitation. The association provides them with specialized training in sales and design. Each collection is created with the help of partner companies that provide fabrics or unsold pieces, which the women of the association collect and re-design: it’s the concept of « upcycling ». Their creations are sold in the different stores all over France. Beyond fashion, the Parisian show was a moment of emotion, and the women presented their creations on the podium, their hair & make up done by professional teams. With women from every generation and background, it showed that there are still some meaning to be found in the textile industry nowadays, and it is a great step towards stable employment for those who have struggled through life.

Tissons la Solidarité is a member of the Réseau Caritas France, specialized in the textile industry. Today, the association reached a rate of return to stable employment of 24% (12 points more than the national average).

Learn more about the association here: www.tissonslasolidarite.org