In the United States alone, fashion is a $265 billion a year industry. Fashion is a tremendous global force that can have a positive or negative effect on the world. Ethical designers recognize the impact of industry processes on the environment and on the livelihood of suppliers and workers who contribute to the final product. They create collections that minimize the environmental impact, and/or guarantee fair wage and working conditions.

The mission of Bel Esprit is to encourage and develop ethical practices in the fashion industry. The use of fair trade materials and labor has not only raised the living standards of the farmers and workers producing goods, but has helped entire communities as well, through reinvestment of profits to improve living conditions and education. Fair trade cooperatives and businesses have given disadvantaged and marginalized people, particularly women, economic security and survival. As more highly skilled fair wage and trade options become available, designers throughout the world will be able to source production and materials that respect the world and its inhabitants. Bel Esprit assists international designers to source ethical production, and helps developing businesses bring their lifestyle products to market.

The Donate Design project was created to assist organizations around the world, starting with HEAL Africa, to help the people of developing regions build sustainable businesses that will enable them to earn a livable wage. Whether providing products and services to their local community, or working with international fashion companies to produce products for the international market, these businesses will give opportunity and a secure future to families and communities around the world.

Each person has their vision of a beautiful world. All of us, together, working towards each of our individual visions, can effect a profound change on our planet. Even a small item, like a t-shirt, designed by one person in one city, can change the lives of people and communities half a world away. There is no gesture or action too small to take!