All garments are stitched in 3 workshops in India in cooperation with local, women-led NGOs, where socially disadvantaged women get an education as seamstresses, fair wages and work during hours, that make it possible for them to align their work and family responsibilities. Monthly health checks, seminars on workers’ rights, English lessons and the possibility to take subsidized and interest-free loans in the areas of education and health as well as a stable, monthly income are benefits of direct employment. The brand values close, direct and fair partnerships and collaborations with its workers and fabric suppliers, where equal rights and joint development go hand in hand.
In addition to their work with the fashion brand the Jyoti – Fair Works founders initiated a charity trust to furthermore collect donations to support the women in India. The money ensures activities and supports local NGOs in critical situations, without undermining the teamwork on the eye level that was established.
Jyoti – Fair Works uses only natural materials like cotton (both GOTS certified, conventional and recycled), hemp, modal and viscose by Lenzing like Tencel, Ecovero and Lyocell). Additionally, they work with peace silk, that is harvested without harming the insects and baby alpaca wool from small-scale alpaca farmers in Peru.
All dying and printing processes are done by small companies and organisations that work with plant-based, non-toxic dies in traditional ways. This fact is not undermined by certifications, since most of the small-scale productions can´t afford those certifications.
The design and production are done with as little waste as possible, by using modern pattern-making tools and knowledge. All fabric rests are made into accessories and even the smallest bits are used as pillow stuffing for the local school.
Since 2016 Jyoti – Fair Works has been using monomaterials that are of natural origin, creating the possibility for recycling, if given to specialized facilities. The garments are theoretically compostable under certain conditions, that are not specified.
The brand’s designs aim to be timeless and long-lasting with good care. The brand offers detailed care and repair instructions on its website.
The customer can send back items that are no longer wanted or worn so that they can be offered in the store in Berlin and given a second life in the second-hand section. Other items sold under the name “Jyoti-Circular” are prototypes and garments with minor mistakes.
The brand states that most of the cotton yarn in India comes from Tiruppur in South India where cotton from all over India and from abroad is spun and sold, making it impossible to trace it back to the field. That is why Jyoti – Fair Works decided to buy mostly GOTS-certified cotton, which at least guarantees fair working conditions and payment for the farmers and acceptable environmental conditions. The brand strives to increase its use of GOTS-certified yarns and to support its small producers to be able to get the chance to work with these yarns since it usually requires some investment that small businesses can´t afford. Jyoti – air Works works directly with mostly really small, family-owned businesses, workshops and cooperatives that share the vision of a fair and better fashion industry, offering fair wages and employment to disadvantaged people in rural areas. They know all their suppliers personally and visit them regularly. The production and finishing of fabrics and accessories are mostly done in India supporting local heritage and using traditional techniques. The knitted part of the collection is done by the hand of women in Peru in cooperation with the Belgian NGO Solid Crafts. The organisation is Fair Trade Certified and provides work and empowerment to local women.
The brand uses mostly cotton and other plant-based materials. Furthermore, they use peace silk, that is harvested without harming the insects. Another material is baby alpaca wool (“baby” refers not to the young sheep, but the very soft underfu) from small-scale alpaca farmers in Peru that live and work traditionally with their herds. The brand claims that the animals live freely outside throughout the year and are shaved only every 2 years without any harm. This is not determined by any certifications, since these farmers could not afford it.
Even though Jyoti – Fair Works managed to increase their production over the last years, the brand is still producing on a very small scale. Many items are made on-demand to ensure that there is no over-production and that all fabric is used.
The brand’s mission is to start a discussion about the value of clothes. With a lot of information on their website, they enable the customers and interested people to understand the process behind the making of their clothes and accessories. All production facilities and partners are transparently disclosed.
Zaključak
Supporting Jyoti – Fair Works means supporting the idea of People over Profit! Their exceptional work for the Indian women and partner organisations they work with is outstanding and inspiring. Great, the outcome is a beautiful collection of timeless clothes and accessories of great quality.
