The Raven + Lily Africa Collection Repurposes Shells into Jewelry
Romina S. Cortellucci — May 13, 2012 — Fashion
References: ravenandlily & fastcoexist
The Raven + Lily Africa Collection is a beautiful project inside and out. Raven + Lily, founded by Kirsten Dickerson and Sophia Lin, is an accessories brand that repurposes bullet casings and recycled metals into fashionable pieces of jewelry. By using design partnership, the company creates socially responsible and sustainable projects.
This jewelry is crafted by HIV-positive women in Ethiopia who have partnered with Raven and Lily. These marginalized women receive more than just economic benefits of the project. The proceeds of the items sold go to funding healthcare and literacy programs for the women and children. The women involved become empowered and provide to the greater community. The positive power of purchasing one of these products is priceless.
This jewelry is crafted by HIV-positive women in Ethiopia who have partnered with Raven and Lily. These marginalized women receive more than just economic benefits of the project. The proceeds of the items sold go to funding healthcare and literacy programs for the women and children. The women involved become empowered and provide to the greater community. The positive power of purchasing one of these products is priceless.
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Jewelry - Businesses can innovate their product offerings by utilizing sustainable materials for jewelry-making, much like Raven + Lily's repurposed bullet casings and recycled metals.
2. Socially Responsible Design - Design partnerships that create socially responsible projects, like Raven + Lily's partnership with HIV-positive women in Ethiopia, can have a positive impact on marginalized communities while also creating innovative products.
3. Empowerment-focused Projects - Projects, such as Raven + Lily's funding of healthcare and literacy programs, that empower marginalized communities can not only have a positive impact, but also create opportunities for businesses to innovate and make a difference through their products.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Accessories - Fashion accessory companies can take inspiration from Raven + Lily in creating products that not only benefit customers, but also contribute to a larger social cause.
2. Jewelry Making - Jewelry makers can innovate their craft by utilizing unconventional and sustainable materials, like Raven + Lily's repurposing of bullet casings, to create unique and socially responsible pieces.
3. Social Enterprises - Social enterprises can learn from Raven + Lily's innovative business model, where projects that benefit marginalized communities are integrated into the production and sale of products.
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