Second Annual Freedom and Fashion
November 6, 2010

by Viviann Ur 

Fashion. Without the clutter of words or the awkward gestures, people often make bold fashion statements to express their inner-self. But just how bold can a fashion statement be?

On November 6, Freedom and Fashion held their annual Fair-Trade Fashion show at Newsong Community Church in Irvine, California in support of ending modern-day slavery, sex trafficking, child labor, and human rights violations. Freedom and Fashion, founded by Bonnie Kim, seeks to educate said injustices, to promote organizations and companies who fight for the said causes, and to promote “conscious consumerism” of “ethically produced goods.”

Although the attendees of the fashion show raved about the fun-filled night, the spotlight fell on the clothes and accessories “made by labor and sex trafficked survivors.”

The fashion show kicked off with host Jeannie Mai (TV personality and fashion expert, as seen on “How Do I Look” on the Style Network and on NBC’s Extra TV) welcoming and briefly informing attendees about human exploitation. Following her introduction, up and coming artist Esna Yoon performed several original songs, one of which included her catchy “Valentine’s Day Song”.

After Esna’s crowd-pleasing performance, Dr. E. née (full name Dr. Elaine Richardson, a survivor of sex trafficking and an esteemed professor at Ohio State University) took the stage and took a twist from Esna’s soulful yet jazzy style, by surprising the audience with her deep warm voice as she sang several of her original songs.

Soon enough, the fashion show began.

Showcasing one-of-a-kind apparel and accessories from various fair trade companies, the models strutted down the catwalk as attendees intently gazed on. From hand-knitted tops by Anita Arze to brass whistles from Falling Whistles, this night was about the positive impact fashion could have on human trafficking. Other fashionable pieces included adorable crocheted hats from Krochet Kids, stunning dresses from Kristinit, and the ever-popular fashion staple, blue jeans from Naem Jeans.

After the models gave their final adieu on stage, Freedom and Fashion founder Bonnie Kim closed out the show, thanking all the attendees for their support. As soon as the show was officially called over, hoards of the fashion-forward rushed towards the clothing booths to buy their favorite pieces from the show.

While the Freedom and Fashion Showcase and Trade Show wasn’t necessarily a party, it definitely called for a celebration! The night was filled with fun and entertainment, and it left attendees with a deeper understanding of human trafficking. So, just how bold can a fashion statement be? I’ll let you decide.

For a full list of the fair trade companies present at the Freedom and Fashion Showcase and Trade Show or to see how you can support the cause, visit http://freedomandfashion.com/.

For video coverage of the event,
check out KAC Media’s event coverage HERE

For photos covering the event, visit our FACEBOOK PAGE

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