Fashion Forward

I have seen and supported many NGOs selling products made by beneficiaries in an effort to provide a respectable livelihood for the maker. Here, a traditional emphasis on social good is what drives the buyer, not the quality of the product in and of itself. But if someone is purchasing something because it makes them feel good, does that really empower the producer? I feel much more inspired buying something that I want anyway for its usefulness, quality or style, and then learning that the beautiful item was made by someone who has overcome great adversity.

Unsurprisingly, I am not the only one. Maiyet was created by two men with human rights backgrounds who believe that business can be used to promote peace. This is made possible by sourcing from (and encouraging the growth of) companies that have a stabilizing effect on their communities. And these products are luxury items that are no less than works of art. They incorporate block printing and the lost art of wax casting to add unique details to each piece, in high-end looks using materials from around the world that ought to be hitting the runway soon.



Maiyet partners with Nest, a non-profit that specializes in training and developing artisan businesses. Together, these groups identify partner organizations that exhibit strong leadership, are scalable, and can positively transform their communities. They find companies and artisans that alleviate poverty, empower women and promote peace. Maiyet then donates a portion of their proceeds back into the training and development of these talented but at-risk groups of artisans, so they can continue to, soon enough, create runway pieces for peace.