Ethical Fashion

Mehera Shaw, an ethical fashion house specializing in fair made, haute artisan wear in natural fibers, is listed among America's progressive business leaders. Social entrepreneurs, the fashion house is a for-profit business which is putting their dollars to work by investing in positive trade relations and positive environmental choices.

In a world filled with concerns about global warming, fair trade, and reducing poverty to name but a few significant topics, many are searching for progressive business leaders. A new brand of entrepreneurship is germinating like the first crocuses in spring—social entrepreneurship.

From clothing to food to high tech, progressive businesses are reshaping the world one day at a time. Founder of Mehera Shaw, Mark and Shari Keller developed the business in 1999 out of a passion for India - its people and indigenous arts. “ Everything we make” comments designer Shari, “is done using traditional, non-mechanized techniques, from the hand block printing and vegetable dyes to the treadle sewing machines using for stitching. We work using techniques that leave as little environmental impact as possible while also retaining the quality and style of life of the village artisans who have traditionally done this type of work. We also incorporate traditional stitching techniques into our designs in an effort to keep alive the artistic history of the fabric.

Our styles are about an ‘enduring fashion’. Progressive fashion is not about trends. It’s about sustainability and respect.”

Mehera Shaw’s clothing is fair made and supports the cottage industry in Rajasthan, India. It is one of a handful of ethical fashion houses that are for-profit businesses seeking to give voice to artisans through an integrated, grassroots process. Shari comments: “Being a business owner carries with it the responsibility to do things in the best way possible and encourage others to make the same choices. We are making another trip to India in November to lessen our environmental footprint more and to further develop direct relationships with artisans. It is our hope that both the product and the manner in which it is made reflect a more equitable, harmonious, and beautiful environment.”

Mehera Shaw has just been listed among Coop America’s progressive business leaders and can now be found on their greenpages.org listing. Mehera Shaw is also working toward greater sustainability by developing its own collection of organic cotton. Their organic cottons will be incorporated into their seasonal spring/summer and fall/winter collections. They plan to carry their new product later this year in their Carr Mill boutique in Carrboro, NC and on the web at www.meherashaw.com