These Native Goods has always been focused on promoting a more conscious approach to consumerism. Our mission is to raise awareness about manufacturing issues while providing ethical and sustainable alternatives to mass production. While the site is based around goods made within the USA, my own shopping choices also include a wider range of ethical companies, as well as second hand or vintage pieces. I have been interested in featuring some of my favorite global companies for awhile now and the release of Maiyets new collective proved a great opportunity to do just that. Maiyet is an ethical luxury label based in Manhattan, they partner with artisans worldwide in an effort to preserve local craft and provide job opportunities for the makers. The nonprofit Nest, has been an integral part of their operation; the organization establishes artisan businesses all over the world, working with the local people to create jobs. Nests efforts are helping to keep cultural traditions alive, providing safe work environments and skill training, while creating transparency in the industry.
Maiyet recently reopened the doors of their Crosby Street store, after a month of renovations. The makeover was in preparation for the release of their new collective. A hand picked selection of ethically and sustainably minded brands from around the world. The Collective includes Raven + Lily, Voz, Article 22, Catzorange, Lois London, Koja, Yosuzi and a selection of natural beauty brands curated by Stae Natural. Some highlights, Raven + Lily provide fair wage jobs for 1,500 marginalized women, helping to them to break the cycle of poverty. Voz is dedicated to protecting the livelihoods, well-being and culture of rural indigenous women. Catzorange hand makes beautiful woven bags in their Brooklyn studio, paying special attention to detail and sourcing. Article 22 has a mission to transform negative into positive, their current jewelry collection Peacebomb is made using Vietnam War shrapnel in Laos. With each purchase Article 22 donates money to help clear unexploded ordnance in the area, additionally they have created a central development fund to help support the local community. You can read more about each brand and the collective as a whole on the Maiyet site.
The collective is aimed at not only providing a wider range of items, but also promoting a lifestyle. The SoHo store has begun hosting talks and workshops focused on conscious and healthy living. They hope to create a community based around support and empowerment, while raising awareness about ethical and environmental issues. I had the wonderful opportunity to play dress up in some of the key pieces from the collective and I can say first hand that they are simply gorgeous. While the other brands from the collective are only available in store (address below), Maiyets own collection will be available for purchase online soon. Each piece tells a story of change, a mission to create while giving back and treading lightly. It is inspiring to see a luxury label operating in this way, I can not wait to see how the collective grows.
Shop the collective at Maiyet 16 Crosby St, SoHo, NYC 10013 or call (212)343-9999. Visit their site at www.maiyet.com and follow along for info on new additions, workshops and more @maiyet.
Row 1 Cashmere Knit Trench in Amber, Arc Tank and Crop Pant by Maiyet, Safi Tassel Earrings by Lois London + Valentina hat by Yosuzi
Row 2 Cashmere Knit Trench in Amber, Arc Tank and Crop Pant by Maiyet, Short Tote in Dusty Rose by Catzorange + Trench by Maiyet
Row 3 Trench by Maiyet, Safi Tassel Earring by Lois London, Classic Button Down and Draped Short in Batik by Maiyet, Como Large Satchel in Navy by Maiyet + Traveler Backpack in Black by Raven + Lily
Row 4 Classic Button Down in Batik, Crop Pant and Como Large Satchel in Black by Maiyet, Safi Tassel Earrings by Lois London, Cashmere Long Cardigan by Maiyet, Liquid Silk Slip in Ivory by Voz +Yami Backpack in Brown by Raven + Lily
Row 5 Cashmere Long Cardigan by Maiyet, Liquid Silk Slip in Ivory by Voz, Flower of Life Necklace by Article 22, Fiza Shibori Caftan by Raven + Lily + Safi Tassel Earrings by Lois London
*Shoes are my own and not a part of the collective