Following the highly successful spring launch season of exclusive eco-friendly shopping bags for the Ethical Fashion Africa Project, Vivienne Westwood previewed a complete new and expanded collection of handbags and accessories during Paris Fashion Week.
The new collection, set to launch this month, builds upon the success of Westwood’s debut capsule collection, with the range of styles extended to include overnight bags, laptop cases, key rings, the classic Westwood Yasmine bag, and a number of designs for men.
The new designs make use of a number of materials – recycled electrical wiring and recycled aluminum and plastic bags which would otherwise end up in landfill – keeping a strong focus on creating a collection which minimizes the impact on our environment.
‘Handmade with love’ in Nairobi, the collection has been produced in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) – a joint body of the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation.
Currently supporting the work of over 7,000 women in marginalized African communities, the ITC empowers informal manufacturers and craftspeople to enter the international value chain – promoting the growth of sustainable business in place of aid dependency.
The new collection for autumn-winter 2011-12 carries 14 different styles of bags and accessories, both for men and women available in Vivienne Westwood stores, at www.viviennewestwood.com and www.yoox.com.