a few months ago i received an email of a certain person called {kavita parmar} with a video. well, i did not know the name and i almost trashed the email, but i decided to sneak-peek just because i was actually curious. well, it was so worthwhile.
the idea is genius… someone cared enough for handmade things to think of something that would keep artisans working… this way keeping their jobs and away from poverty. this project was cleverly called {iou}… which sounds like {i owe you}. and it is brilliant! i was so curious that needed to know more and bring that more to you. i asked kavita a few questions, so that you could know more about this project.
what is {iou} in one sentence? the {iou project} is a new e-commerce initiative that offers fashion conscious consumers a very distinct platform for online shopping; one which not only enhances the online experience by linking end buyers with artisan-producers, but also draws upon the most compelling aspects of social media to construct a community around its core brand values: authenticity, transparency, uniqueness and both social and environmental responsibility.
what do you do? i am the dreamer and founder of the {iou project}. officially the designer and creative director as well but i do eveything and anythign that needs to be done.
why do you do it? i am incredibly lucky to be doing what i love.
what are your goals? that {the iou project} can truly construct networks known as prosperity chains, that bring individuals together to reshape and redefine the way products are made, sold and consumed. that we can inspire and foster collaborative practices that using technology help create disruptive business models using the five elements we hold close, transparency, traceability, authenticity, uniqueness and design…
what are your challenges? our biggest challenge is to get the mainstream audience engaged and thinking about how important it is to know where things come from as i believe that fosters responsibility and respect towards the environment and towards the people involved. we are extremely lucky to get incredible grassroots support from independent bloggers who feel just as passionately about this.
if you visit the shop, there is an announcement that once again remind you how unique all the pieces may be.
“most items here at {iou} are unique and handmade; each is available in just one size, maybe yours, maybe not. to see what we have in your size, when browsing a style, select your size and we will show you only items in that size.”
{the iou project} has their shop {here} & also a {blog}, is on {faceboook} & {twitter}, so if you care for things handmade, i think you should really pay them a visit and say hello to these brilliant minds! i wish to congratulate kavita for taking the time to answer my questions and for giving birth to this project! it is indeed a brave project and it benefits the world.
images: courtesy of {the iou project}
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