Fair Fashion

Proud Mary Textiles: Prints and Color for Sustainably Sexy Summer Style

Photo courtesy of Proudmary.org
Photo courtesy of Proudmary.org

We are a very polyester loving society, and though the synthetic fabric isn’t inherently evil (it dries faster than almost anything else!), I appreciate the feel, weight, and experience of a well made, naturally colored, and woven fabric.

Photo courtesy of Proudmary.org
Photo courtesy of Proudmary.org

Enter sustainable and fair-traded textile company Proud Mary. The passion child of humanitarian Harper Poe, the company provides exquisite products made by the intricate hands of indigenous textile artisans from around the world. Proud Mary’s mission is anchored in their motto, “Pride not Pity.” The company works in Mali, West Africa, Guatemala, Morocco, Peru, and Niger with both women’s cooperatives and male artisans who hand paint, pattern, and weave their specially made baskets, pillows, dresses, and bottle openers.

Photo courtesy of Proudmary.org
Photo courtesy of Proudmary.org

Proud Mary’s motto is evident in the style of rich colors and textures of their ready- to-buy pieces. The handmade, vibrant and honest fabrics are perfect for summer; I love the elegance of the oversized cotton gauze maxi tunic. It’s light and airy appearance is on-trend sexy (wear with a pretty patterned bra or tank or over a bikini top) or it could be something comfortable, soft, and chic to relax in at home.

Photo courtesy of ProudMary.org
Photo courtesy of ProudMary.org

Not only can you wear Proud Mary‘s textiles, you can use the brand’s graphic accessories to add color and/or pattern to your home. Their beautiful throw pillows are available in the various sizes and colors that are sure to fit into a colorfully printed, eco-friendly style. The oversized polka dot pillows looks super comfy (ready for a long afternoon of snuggling, perhaps?).

Goat_Dot_Pillow_30_Lifestyle
Photo courtesy of ProudMary.org

The cowry shell bib necklace would make a stunning statement accessory either a white tunic or a flowing printed maxi dress.

Photo courtesy of ProudMary.org
Photo courtesy of ProudMary.org

After you score a beautiful Proud Mary dress, go ahead and pair it with some vegan heels Arden Wohl’s new Cri de Coeur collection for a summer night on the town.

Chrislande Dorcilus is a writer living in Brooklyn, and ever proud of the cliché. She loves feminism, humor, sustainable architecture, and poetry. She hates to love to hate New York, compares bathrooms around the city, avoids the Six train, and misses the ocean. Chrislande is a proud former editorial intern, and blog contributor to the loved feminist publication, BUST Magazine. She hopes to see you at one of their spectacular BUST Craftacular events in Brooklyn this year. She has written for various fashion and media sources online, and is more than excited to delve into the eco-world with “y’all.”