DONT Miss Out – DONT WALK Launch New E-Shop for Charity
Article Written by Mia Furlong (Head Writer)
From its inception, DONT WALK has sought to respond to social injustice and make a positive impact on the world. The annual fashion show represents a refusal to remain complacent during times of discrimination, oppression, and adversity. It encourages its participants to not just simply "walk by" problems in society, and instead use artistic expression to raise awareness of global issues. From sustainability to arts intervention, each year the fashion show raises money and awareness for a host of charities tackling pressing issues within both local and global communities.
This year, DONT WALK is supporting Custom Collaborative and Impact Arts, "with the goal to make a difference in both our international and local community". DONT WALK’s usual events combine fashion, film, politics and performance to promote their chosen charities. This year, they have curated a new shopping experience to bring the catwalk and the cause to you at home. DONT WEAR, the brand-new initiative, acts as a marketplace for student designers and young artists. It gives these new artists a platform for their talent, and you the opportunity to support fresh, upcoming talent. The aim of the e-shop is to "dissolve the boundary between looks seen on the runway, and those in your own wardrobe". With many of the clothes on sale courtesy of new and upcoming designers who will be debuting collections at this year's DONT WALK, purchasing from DONT WEAR guarantees you a piece of St Andrews fashion history, whilst promoting sustainable apparel and two fantastic causes. Items can be purchased from both their Instagram and e-shop, and fifteen percent of proceeds will go towards the annual DONT WALK charitable donation.
Custom Collaborative is a New York City based entrepreneurship and workforce development programme that trains and supports women from low-income and immigrant communities to launch careers in the fashion industry. They teach sustainable and ethical techniques and business practice, encouraging participants to learn and professionalise industry-specific skills, whilst overcoming barriers to employment. Custom Collaborative challenges the ethics and economics of the fashion at present, and empowers a new generation of leaders in fashion.
Impact Arts is a Scottish Charity that works to help people and communities transform their lives through art and creativity. They acknowledge that art in all its forms can reach and influence all people. "It can inspire brave new work, often, from the most surprising of places and individuals". Impact Arts work collaboratively with children, young people, older people and the wider community to achieve their aim of tackling inequalities in Scotland through creative engagement. In everything they achieve, they work towards a Scotland where everybody believe in the power of creativity to transform lives.
