PeaceKeeper Kiss of Approval: Olga Olsson Swimwear
Getting fed up with the mid-February blahs? Had enough apple cider and hot chocolate? We at PeaceKeeper have, and right now we’re dreaming of getting out of this New York winter and setting sail for warmer climates. Maybe El Salvador. Sipping coconut juice on a beach in El Salvador would really hit the spot right now.
But to really relax on that beach, we need a bathing suit. And not just any bathing suit—a super-sexy, sustainably made bathing suit. And that’s why PeaceKeeper’s Kiss of Approval this week is the sexy, bohemian swimwear line Olga Olsson.
Brazil-based designer Ruth Ferguson (who named the brand after her inspirational grandmother) works with women and young artisans in Rio de Janeiro to design and transform hand-painted silks, organic cotton, and locally sourced linens and wools into gorgeous bikinis and kaftans. In the Rio Atelier there exists six seamstresses, one pattern cutter, and one fabric cutter. These workers are paid a fair wage, not by amount of product made, but by months worked.
At the second atelier, based in the district of Complexo Maré, artist Ana Castro teaches handpainting, dying, silk screen and dip dye methods on fabrics to young artisans. Everything is as sustainable as possible down to the cute tags made from recycled cards and tied with a “fita de bonfim” ribbon. This ribbon can then be worn around your wrist as a traditional “make a wish” bracelet; once it breaks, your wish will come true!
Shop Olga Olsson and support “products that enhance diversity, celebrate traditions, build communities, create meaningful employment and respect local environmental conditions. “ You can check out their website at www.olgaolsson.com.
With Love,
The PeaceKeeper Team
(Writer: Renee Estey. Editor: Jessica Smith. Pictures courtesy Olga Olsson.
For more information about PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics, visit www.iamapeacekeeper.com.)
No related posts.
February 17th, 2011 at 9:50 pm
You got great honest points here.. I done a search on the issue and learnt most peoples will agree with your blog......