Supporting Rural Communities with Fabulous Fairtrade Fabric

Article Added: 01/04/2009 13:46:21
Bishopston Trading Company has recently been announced as The Most Ethical Clothing Company in an independent survey by Ethical Consumer. The Bishopston Trading Company scored an ‘ethiscore’ of 16.5, which was the highest when compared to other Ethical Specialists. The company’s conscientious approach to sustainable fashion combined with its array of beautiful fabrics interested us at HotHive Textiles, and we spoke to the company director, Carolyn Whitehall.

The Bishopston Trading Company provides a refreshing blend of beautiful products and a positive ethical outlook, benefiting both consumers and workers. The Bristol based company grew from a twinning link between the South Indian village of K. V. Kuppam and Bishopston. Whilst the link was effective in supporting social development projects in India, it became evident that what the village really needed was long-term stable employment. The Bishopston Trading Company, set up in 1985, allows skilled weavers in the area to put their craft to economically productive use, providing customers in the UK with hand woven fabric and tailored garments of an exceptional quality. The company now provides employment to over 300 tailors and 100 handloom weavers, whilst ensuring that all cotton used is Fairtrade and organic.

A visit to any one of the Bishopston Trading Company’s four stores, or a glance at their website, will assure you of the quality and beauty of their products. The new Spring collection inspired by the colours and textures of Mexico is particularly exciting. However, the most important element of this company are the workers, and the inspirational dedication of the company to enrich their lives. Director Carolyn Whitehall visits the factory in K. V. Kuppam every two to three years, witnessing first hand how guaranteed employment and a fair wage enhances the lives of the people living in the rural community. All profits from The Bishopston Trading Company are used through the company’s charity, The South India Rural Development Trust, which recently used funds to build a new factory. Carolyn told us how becoming a member of the tailoring societies not only gives workers a “well paid job, but also increases their standing and their position in village society. Most importantly it keeps the families together, as the alternative would be to travel long distances to work in the big cities of South India and rarely return home.” Health care in India is expensive for those living on a low wage, and Carolyn explained that often many people are unable to work due to ill health or have been orphaned or widowed at a young age, sadly often to suicide. The opportunity to work within a secure community is invaluable for so many families in K. V. Kuppam. Within this context, the vibrant colours and unique designs found at the Bishopston Trading Company are uplifting and optimistic; showing how despite distance, a consumer in the UK can really affect the lives of those in the rural communities abroad.

The Bishopston Trading Company has a lot to offer textile artists and designers, particularly those who are keen to incorporate ethical responsibility within their work without compromising on quality or style. Carolyn encourages the use of organic cotton, which, she says, “protects the cotton farmers and their land from the pollution caused by using pesticides”. The World Health Organisation estimates that 20,000 people die every year from accidental pesticide poisoning in conventional cotton agriculture. In addition, according to the Pesticide Action Network, 200,000 cotton farmers commit suicide annually due to spiralling debts incurred from buying pesticides. It is evident that support for existing cotton farmers and ways to support the use of organic cotton is essential. The Bishopston Trading Company has a striking selection of organic handloom cotton that can be purchased by the metre, allowing textile artists and designers to support rural communities within their own individual designs. The fabric can be viewed online at www.bishopstontrading.co.uk and fabric swatches are available on request. In addition, the company has a range of products for wholesale customers and an attractive collection of promotional items that can be developed with personal logos, including bags and cushion covers.

The company are also looking at new initiatives to extend their product range further. Carolyn visited K. V. Kuppam in February, and was encouraged to see that plans were underway to develop a powerloom society within the community. Carolyn said: “We feel there is a big market for Fairtrade certified organic cotton denim in different weights and we want to see this work being done in K. V. Kuppam.” Carolyn is hoping the production will begin in May, providing jeans for their own clothing range as well as for other companies to purchase. It is exciting to see the community developing, whilst the products available continue to be of an excellent standard. Like many other ethical products, it is important that fabric from the Bishopston Clothing Company can be promoted as a product in its own right. After visiting their Bristol store, the positivity and aspiration of the company shines through their vivid fabrics and carefully crafted garments, allowing customers and crafts-people to become engaged with the attractive product as well as the important social and environmental element of the company.

The Bishopston Trading Company can provide general information and mail order catalogues. If you are planning an event, they can also provide fashion show kits. For more information, log onto www.bishopstontrading.co.uk. There are stores in Bristol, Bradford on Avon, Glastonbury and Totnes.