Styling an ethically made pink handloom scarf

In all my years of being a style enthusiast, I’ve acquired many scarves from thrift and vintage stores, but I never took the time to learn how to style them. Until I received this beautiful pink cheeky rose naturally dyed handloom scarf from Fabric of Humanity.

Fabric of Humanity is a social enterprise that works with skilled artisans in rural India that use hand-looming and natural dyes. Their scarves are woven, hypoallergenic and compostable. I love the fact that they are challenging the power systems that cripple the opportunities and human rights of people to live prosperous lives. They ensure artisans are supported, empowered and paid liveable wages. Not only is this the right way of running a business with makers in the global South, but it’s also a way to to boost local economies in poorer communities by paying workers enough to enable the possibility of climbing out of poverty and the opportunity to thrive. It gives possibilities for better access to education for workers and their children and also healthcare. These are some of the fundamental ways that influence socio-economic development in communities in the global South. Supporting social enterprises like Fabric of Humanity goes so much further for peoples’ lives than shopping with conventional fashion brands.

This is the scarf that inspired me to raise my style games where scarves are concerned. It’s so pretty that I wanted to restyle it in several ways, with a couple of pink outfits. I used a 1980s retro-vintage pink dress, preloved pink coat, preloved pink jumper and preloved pink clutch purse. Why? Because having many different ways of wearing an accessory like this scarf inspires you to use your clothes more frequently which means you get more wear out of each item. You end up realising you don’t need to buy more clothes for different events and occasions in your life. Just restyle, mix and match pieces in your closet and play dress up in your own wardrobe! Ultimately if the majority of all of the fashion-loving world does this, we’ll have far less textile waste going to landfill.

 ♥ Nina Gbor

Instagram: @eco.styles

Why empowering refugees and migrants is crucial

Image by Belinda Fewings, courtesy Unsplash

I recently took part in a fundraiser style challenge for a social enterprise and charity called The Social Outfit. It was in alignment with National Refugee Week and to raise funds for female refugees and new migrants. National Refugee Week is Australia’s peak annual event to educate and inform the public about refugees and celebrate positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society. During the week, many truths and lived experiences of refugees and new migrants were shared in the media and on social platforms. And it got me thinking about the global refugee problem. Despite circumstances like conflict, human rights violations, public order disruptions, violence and persecution that turned ‘ordinary’ people into refugees, they sometimes still encounter discrimination, judgement and inequality in their host countries instead of compassion.

Why refugees should be empowered and supported

First and foremost, the most crucial factor in hosting refugees is and should always be to ensure the protection of people where their liberty, life, safety and other fundamental human rights are at stake. With this in mind, empathy should be the cornerstone for dealing with refugee matters. Subsequently, it’s worth discovering and utilising the enormous source of potential that refugees possess and using it to enrich the nation.  

Economic and social development - The presence of refugees and migrants boosts and diversifies the country’s skill levels. It bolsters innovation and resilience. Refugees often have a strong desire to settle and adapt into their new environments and for this reason, seek to gain employment shortly after arriving in the host country. And bring high levels of skills, qualifications and work experience that too often end being under-utilised. According to a research report by the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship, around 49.3% of refugees who participated in one West Australian study were employed in occupations below their skill level. The massive reserve of potential can contribute tremendously to the country’s economic, social and cultural growth. All this potential gets lost or diminished when refugees and migrants are not sufficiently supported and empowered.

Entrepreneurship and business - The research report also stated that refugees have a penchant for being entrepreneurial because they are confronted with an urgency to establish themselves in their new environment. This is evident in the 2000 Business Review Weekly’s annual rich list of 200 people. Five out of eight billionaires were people whose families have originally arrived in Australia as refugees.

Strengthening international ties and post-colonial recovery - On the other side, hosting refugees strengthens international ties and relationships with poorer countries. Countries in the global South are still suffering from the aftermath of colonisation. In some nations, it has resulted in conflict, civil unrest or some of the other refugee circumstances I mentioned previously. One of the most poignant examples is the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Belgian colonisers in Rwanda created tension between two ethnic groups: the Hutus and the Tutsis in the 1930s by making a policy that established the Tutsis as the monarchs and elite ruling class. This ethnic division began the conflict between the two groups that later degenerated into genocide. And hence, birthed refugees fleeing conflict. Colonisation in several cases has proven to be the root cause of issues that create refugees. Supporting refugees and migrants helps to strengthen international ties and, in some situations, might be a small contribution towards healing the issues created by the global North colonising regions in the global South.  

 ♥ Nina Gbor

Instagram: @eco.styles

A style challenge for positive change

In my last article, I wrote about the 2020 #WearTheChange style challenge fundraiser. Wear The Change is a fundraiser created by The Social Outfit (TSO), a social enterprise, charity and ethical clothing label. The challenge is to style an ethical/sustainable garment in a different way (restyle) for five days during National Refugee Week (June 20 – 25). The purpose is to raise funds to help TSO support, empower and train female refugees and new migrants with customised training, education and employment pathways in the fashion industry.

TSO ran the style challenge again this year, so I felt the pressure to up the ante with this beautiful, pink, vintage-retro silk Japanese kimono. The kimono is a post-lockdown present I gifted to myself at the end of 2020 after a very long and intense lockdown period in Melbourne, Australia.

Retro-vintage kimono styled with kimono belts and a pink preloved clutch purse from an op shop.

The allure of the kimono

I love traditional, vintage Japanese wedding, ceremonial and casual kimonos. They hold tremendous beauty, art, storytelling, craftsmanship and copious amounts of my attention. Vintage and antique kimonos are some of the most beautiful garments ever created in my opinion.  

By choosing a kimono for the 2021 restyle challenge, I made it harder because it’s rare to see a wide variety of kimono restyled looks. But I chose it nonetheless because this pink one is an exquisite piece with vibrant colours that inspire tremendous amounts of awe, joy and MAGIC.

If my knowledge is accurate then I believe this kimono is a wedding kimono called Hikifurisode (a kimono with long, flowing sleeves and a padded, trailing hem). It’s a more modern take on the traditional wedding kimono, likely from the late 1980s. I’ve been told that it might have been a wedding or ceremonial piece for a young woman. And it's 100% silk.

Retro-vintage kimono styled with a 1930 / 1940s vintage fur cape from an op shop. Paired with a 1950s handbag from a vintage shop.

Regarding Asian-made

In addition to being my challenge centrepiece, it’s also a conversation piece for important topics like the perception of products made in Asian countries. In the fashion world and other industries, we hear comments like 'cheap Asian stuff' or 'cheap Chinese stuff' flooding the fast fashion markets. However, the fast fashion model thrives because we indulge it. In many cases, it’s fast fashion brands in the global North that commission the manufacture of cheaply made fast fashion products in Asian countries. Because labour is cheap in those parts of the world, it’s easier to exploit workers in those countries. Then it’s the consumers that help this concept to continue when we buy and consume fast fashion in droves without demanding that brands pay living wages and decent work conditions for garment workers. Perhaps we can shift the notion of perceiving Asian countries simply as where cheap products come from. Instead, we can shift perspective and engage more respectfully with Asian and other regions where products are made by acknowledging the craftsmanship, art, meaning and storytelling behind the art that’s native to these regions. The traditional kimono is a case in point. Because the history, skills, dexterity in making the products, traditions and symbolism are not cheap. They deserve respect.  

Retro-vintage kimono styled with a preloved gold jumpsuit, preloved jewellery and gold court shoes. All from op shops. The look is completed with a white purse.

Retro-vintage kimono styled with a retro t-shirt, preloved blue jeans, yellow sneakers and rattan box purse. All from op shops.

The Social Outfit fundraiser for National Refugee Week

For the second year in a row, I’ve joined in the challenge to contribute to raising awareness and raising funds towards helping The Social Outfit support, empower and train new migrants and female refugees with customised training, education and employment pathways in the fashion industry. Only 20% of women from refugee backgrounds are engaged in the workforce. Work empowers women and employment is important for a positive settlement experience. The focus is on the first Australian jobs because the first job is the hardest to get. 85% of people who have worked at The Social Outfit have moved on to other employment. Empowering women is critical because when women are empowered, the community, society and the entire nation benefits economically, socially and in many other ways.

And 49 people have been employed since 2014, paying over $846,000 AUD in Australian award wages. Almost 500 people have participated in their training programs.

By donating, you can help this legacy to continue to thrive and to grow. It won’t solve the global refugee crisis, however, it’s an exemplary model of how refugees and new migrants can be empowered to successfully and beneficially integrate into society in a highly productive way for everyone. The fundraiser continues. On that note, TSO and I will be tremendously grateful for donations to their work through my fundraising link here: https://wear-the-change.raisely.com/nina-gbor. Thank you!

Retro-vintage kimono styled with a preloved navy, tulle maxi skirt and preloved tan belt. Both items from op shops. The beaded clutch purse was a hand-me-down.

♥ Nina Gbor

Instagram: @eco.styles

Wear the change

Outfit restyled for The Social Outfit’s Wear The Change fundraiser challenge during National Refugee Week 2020. One dress styled in five different ways. This is the ultra gold glamourous look.

Imagine a person with a ‘normal’ life. This person might be a doctor, waiter, lawyer, teacher, parent, accountant, nanny, architect, daughter/son - anything. They probably have a career, social life, community or even family. Then some type of cataclysm happens like war, natural disaster, climate or other disasters. On fear of death, this person and their family must leave everything behind and flee to safety in another place or country. Maybe even with young children in tow. Literally for the purpose of saving their lives. Thus, rendering them refugees. This is not the scenario for every refugee but it’s a general account I’ve heard from several refugees from different countries.

As one of the most terrifying things that can happen to a person, I’m always baffled when I hear that refugees sometimes encounter a lack of empathy or even disdain because of their status. It’s shocking considering the very real and intense nature of experiences, pain and trauma that forced them into the circumstance they find themselves in.

According to the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR), there were 82.4 million forcibly displaced people worldwide at the end of 2020 from conflict, human rights violations, conflict, public order disruption, violence and persecution. Out of this figure, 26.4 million are refugees.

Outfit restyled for The Social Outfit’s Wear The Change fundraiser challenge during National Refugee Week 2020. One dress styled in five different ways. This is the smart casual look.

This week, June 20 – 27 is National Refugee Week. It’s a special celebration of the contributions of refugees to the arts, culture and our society. Refugees and migrants bring a wealth of skills, talent, culture and knowledge that can further enrich communities if given the right opportunity. All this potential for social and economic growth is lost when they're not supported. When women are empowered, the community, society and nation benefits.

Outfit restyled for The Social Outfit’s Wear The Change fundraiser challenge during National Refugee Week 2020. One dress styled in five different ways. This is the semi-corporate, sophisticated dressed up look.

Last year during National Refugee Week I took part in a restyle challenge fundraiser by The Social Outfit (TSO) called Wear the Change to raise funds for their training and support programs for refugee and new migrant women in Australia. (See photos above and below). TSO is a social enterprise and ethical clothing brand that celebrates creativity and diversity, employs and trains people from refugee and new migrant communities. Adapting and getting the first job can be challenging for new migrants and refugees. TSO helps women with this transition process by supporting them to thrive through employment. The invaluable training these women receive helps them learn new skills and it also allows their previous skills and natural skills to unfurl more easily. I’m excited to be an ambassador for this campaign again this year and take part in the style challenge like I did last year.

Outfit restyled for The Social Outfit’s Wear The Change fundraiser challenge during National Refugee Week 2020. One dress styled in five different ways. This is the elegant and formal look.

The style challenge is about wearing one garment in five different ways. To raise funds for the fundraiser, each weekday this week, I’ll post a photo of the same garment styled differently. So, follow me on Instagram to see the new garment I’ve chosen for 2021 restyle challenge and how I change up the look of the garment each day. But most importantly, I’ll be massively thankful if you can join me in supporting TSO and the women they help by making a donation through this link: https://wear-the-change.raisely.com/nina-gbor/ No amount is too small. Thanks in advance!

Outfit restyled for The Social Outfit’s Wear The Change fundraiser challenge during National Refugee Week 2020. One dress styled in five different ways. This is the super casual look.

Outfit restyled for The Social Outfit’s Wear The Change fundraiser challenge during National Refugee Week 2020. One dress styled in five different ways. This is the golden chic, creative look.

♥ Nina Gbor

Instagram: @eco.styles

The secret to Audrey Hepburn’s timeless style and magic

There’s so much to say about the greatest style icon in history. This is why I’ve written two articles about her style and her humanitarian work. Today would have been Audrey Hepburn’s 92nd birthday. Her style was timeless and she’ll probably always be the biggest style icon there ever was.

I believe what made Audrey Hepburn so enchanting was that she had much grace, integrity and a strong sense of self. As film star in Hollywood’s golden era, she changed the landscape in the 1950s by being herself, instead of playing up to the unsavoury narrative which most women were subjected to at that time. She enjoyed the glamour but she never seemed vain about fashion. The clothes did not define her. Instead, she brought a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to her outfits. She presented herself with a lot of empathy for people and authenticity which compounded her style and made her even more memorable. She was simply who she was. Her integrity is what torpedoed her style into timeless, iconic status. And it’s the reason that the magic of Audrey Hepburn is still just as fresh as it was in the 1950s.

There’s a major lesson to learn from Audrey’s example. We’re in an era where our external image defines the lives of many of us. The obsessive, narrow focus on what we look like, the size of our bodies and all the other physical, external stuff has become extreme. It seems we’re forgetting to develop the internal higher values along with the external. Things like genuine empathy, real connection, personal growth, authentic kindness, care for the environment, etc. Without all of this, there’s a chance that vanity becomes the driver for our decisions. In which case, many issues occur which are unhealthy for people and planet. Attaining the perfect wardrobe and body might be fantastic but the full package is really complete when you’re also diligently working on those internal values. Without them, we’re in danger of just being like a shell. Empty. Albeit a good-looking shell, but still shells nonetheless if we’re not growing internally.

Audrey had an abundance of beauty (internal and external), style and integrity. She was not perfect but her influence and memory are still strong even six decades after she came onto the international film scene. It’s likely her influence will remain for many decades to come.

♥ Nina Gbor

Instagram: @eco.styles