FFCinprogress_V4lowres

EST. 2012 | SEPTEMBER ISSUE

FASHION FOR

CONSERVATION

BEGINNING OF A MISSION

Introducing the first ever publication dedicated to bridging fashion
with conservation of wildlife and the environment

1

23

Conservation Spokespeople

KIRSTIN JOHNSON
UK African Wildlife Foundation Director

JIMMIEL MANDIMA
US African Wildlife Foundation Director

JAKE WALL
National Geographic Young Explorer

and Elephant Conservationist

credits ALL OF YOU WHO MAKE THIS MOVEMENT POSSIBLE.

executive TEAM Campaign Models ATZARO AGROTOURISMO CAMPAIGN PARTNERS
Hosting opening event for Elephantasia
NAZY ALVAREZ Anya Zaytseva European Tour FASHION SCOUT  X  LONDON
Creative Director Hannah Gabrehiwet FASHION WEEK
A-DOT
AVA J HOLMES Binta Diba Providing production support to all Hosting Elephantasia SS18
Executive Producer Jo Lonseth Fashion for Conservation campaigns. September 18th 2017

SAMANTHA ZWICKER PARTICIPANTS AFRICAN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION KNOT ON MY PLANET: NYFW
Conservation Director Saving elephants with funds from Sister campaign to Elephantasia
JASON PILLAY Elephantasia.
PRODUCTION TEAM Lead Fashion Stylist NOVICA OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
AVEDA VANN EDGE SALON Susupporting all FFC auction and
LAURA CHOI LISA VANN Leading all styling teams for Elephantasia financial sponsorships.
Project Manager Lead Hair Stylist
VILTE ROONEY BEN HARVEY CREATIVE NOT JUST A LABEL
Marketing Director BRANSON VEAL Styling all makeup for Elephantasia Hosting Elephantasia Independent
RONEE COLLINS Lead Videographer
Special Events Producer CHANTELLE MELZER Designer Competition
TIFFANIE CUTLER JAMES CHENG Capturing the exquisite elephant
Communications Director Lead Photographer photography featured throughout ROAMING ELEPHANT
JEIA VILLACIS Elephantiasia SS17 Painting Elephant murals globally
Lead Designer
KELLY ZWICKER ELEPHANATICS BC and auction contributor.
Lead Blogger Supporting elephant conservation and
VICTOR LOO education through Elephantasia STRAIGHT JACKET STUDIOS
Community Partnerships Hosting Elephantasia SS17
ECO FASHION WEEK VIP & Press Party
Hosting Elephantasia SS17
November 1 - 4th 2016 WORLD ELEPHANT DAY AUGUST 12TH
Uniting people world-wide to celebrate
Elephant conservation annually

TABLE OF CONTENTS 10-15 10-15 10-15 10-15
16-20 16-20 16-20 16-20
21-23 21-23 21-23 21-23

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR CREDITS THE COLLECTION PART I WHAT’S NEW
Hear the vision behind FFC from Thank You to Our Loving Sponsors ARTIST BIOS Celebrate the closing of Elephantasia
Creative Director and Co-Founder and Supporters Get to know the latest featured SS18 and mark your calendars for
Nazy Alvarez designers and artists in Elephantasia. upcoming events.
WHY ELEPHANTS?
ABOUT FFC Learn why elephants are a critical THE COLLECTION PART II THE COLLECTION PART III
Take a walk through the fashion jungle, conservation focus and what you can
where fashion meets conservation do about it today from the director of MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
the African Wildlife Foundation Take a stand for conservation,
ABOUT ELEPHANTASIA become a lifetime VIP at Fashion for
Official Press Release Spring/ Conservation events.
Summer 2018

about ffc OUR MISSION IS TO FUND CONSERVATION THROUGH THE VOICE OF FASHION.

WELCOME TO THE FASHION JUNGLE, The dynamic team is highlighted perfectly with the three of passionate people wanting to make a positive impact on
WHERE FASHION MEETS CONSERVATION. co-founders: Nazy Alvarez, a Creative Director at Vogue the world. “Our team means the world to me,” she exclaims,
and many other top brands, Samantha Zwicker, wildlife “we are a like a living, breathing organism that feeds off of
WRITER • KELLY ZWICKER conservationist and executive director at Hoja Nueva, and each other’s energy, using our individual skills and creativity
Fashion for Conservation (FFC) is just the finally Ava J. Holmes, connecting the two worlds as a former to produce unique, impactful events for amazing causes.”
combination the fashion industry needed. producer for fashion weeks worldwide and current reality TV
Combining a love for animal rights and show wilderness survivalist at Discovery Channel. The actual fashion seen on the catwalk is not always as literal
conservation with the innovative eye of fashion as one may think. Instead, pieces represent the concept of
is so unique, as is the FFC team. Everyone on Until recently, Fashion for Conservation has hosted events animals through colors, shapes and textures. Elephantasia,
the team have unique and complimentary in the United States, United Kingdom, and British Columbia for instance, is a current campaign at FFC. Design
career paths to this vision and together they only. The team now plans on obtaining a physical presence interpretations range from huge oversized shoulders on a
dedicate time and skill into making the brand in 6 countries by the end of 2018. Another goal is to boost gray pleated one-piece from Indian designer Shriti Pratap
into the movement that it is today. The talent the social media presence of FFC in order to secure a to the delicate golden thread embroidery of a mother and
and motivations of all teams within FFC strive higher position in the world of invigorating fashion. Ideally, daughter elephant on an ivory-colorEd sustainable silk dress
to play to their strengths and constantly conservation inspired fashion will soon be a staple in the by US brand KROGMAN.
support each other to reach new milestones. future of fashion, and will become a well-known concept to
Ava J. Holmes, a co-founder of FFC, believes the public eye. The striking beauty and innocence of animals shows through
in bridging the gap between the industries the creativity of designers’ pieces, furthering the stance to
of conservation and fashion. “Fashion for Current ways to stay updated with FFC efforts and events are preserve wildlife worldwide and distinguishing Fashion for
Conservation to me is where self expression through the blog and social media, encouraging individuals Conservation as a unique brand. Vilté Rooney, marketing
and creativity meet conservation,” she to attend global events, visit highlighted conservation sites director and creative team member of FFC, is also very
explains, “for me it is a way to re-visit my in person, shop the wildlife inspired online store, spread passionate about animal rights, and working with other
fashion career without sacrificing a deep the word through media, and make direct donations--all in individuals that strive to change the world. “I have been in
connection with nature. I also get to be apart an effort to engage physical and monetary support for the the fashion industry for over a decade,” she says “and for
of this sort-of family we’ve created here of highlighted conservation initiative. the first time I feel like I am part of something that is actually
professionals from many diverse, even eclectic making a difference through the fashion community.”
backgrounds who are really passionate about Raising conservation awareness in itself is not an easy task,
the cause and contributing to grow our for this combination of industries is also educational for This year Fashion for Conservation will grow as a global
mission further.” those less aware of environmental issues worldwide. FFC’s movement through increased public engagement and
unique approach and lack of normality connects individuals people believing in the cause as strongly as the team itself.
8 in the world of fashion, film, and the arts to current real-world With a determined team working together to bring out
issues. In addition to producing creative couture pieces inspiring content and increased awareness on conservation,
with the courtesy of sponsored designers, FFC educates FFC will become an essential piece to the fashion industry.
consumers on animals and ecosystems and how to prioritize
the purchasing of more sustainable clothing options. Behind the scenes of the team in action is documented
daily on social media as well as on the weekly blog. As the
Samantha Zwicker, co-founder of FFC and founder of one of movement’s presence through global events, social media
the partnering conservation charities Hoja Nueva, is thankful and online platforms develops, so will future collaborations
for the fashion and conservation idea, given it is what she and upcoming news. Follow our pages and stay inspired!
refers to as a “grassroots movement,” started by a group

9

about elephantasia letter from the
editor
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
TODAY, IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO JUST CREATE
fashion fights for elephants London Fashion Week SS18 PRETTY CAMPAIGNS AND COLLECTIONS.
AS ADVOCATES OF THE ARTS, WE HAVE
Elephantasia combines conservation and their daily purchasing decisions matter. criticism from animal advocates to THE RESPONSIBILITY TO USE THE POWER
couture with the vision and collaboration Saying no to ivory products, visiting one that shares a mutual agenda. The OF FASHION BRANDING AND MEDIA TO
of 24 international designers. The ethical sanctuaries and making clothing main objective is to not only support SPREAD IMPORTANT MESSAGES.
collection unveils to the fashion world purchases and donations that support conservation but put it into practice of TODAY OUR MESSAGE IS TO PROTECT ONE
their unique couture interpretations of critical conservation needs can help every-day lives by wearing clothes that OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS IN THE
“the elephant” in order to protect these ensure the survival of elephants. speak for the cause. WORLD- ELEPHANTS WHICH ARE CRUCIAL
beautiful creatures from poaching. 96 TO THE HEALTH OF OUR GLOBAL ECOSYSTEM
elephants are still killed each day. This The mission of FFC is to protect wildlife Join FFC during the 2016-2018 world AND SURVIVAL OF OUR PLANET.
is 1 elephant every 15 minutes and over and their habitats in collaboration tour of Elephantasia to heighten
33,000 elephants each year. At this rate, with fashion designers, conservation consciousness surrounding threatened Nazy Alvarez, Creative Director
wild elephants could be extinct in less organizations and media influencers. species and their habitats as well as
than 7 years. The exhibition Elephantasia is raise monetary support for critical
fashion fighting for elephants, and conservation projects through the
To bring awareness to, and mitigate the every species adversely aff­ected by African Wildlife Foundation and the
poaching crisis, Fashion for Conservation poaching. Elephantasia is a three-year Elephant Crisis Fund. Get in touch
(FFC) is joining forces with Fashion campaign (2016-2018) featuring unique below and become a member today
Scout and conservation organizations international designers each season.
world-wide. This collaborative effo­ rt is (see page ___)
sending a timely and vital message to Elephantasia, one of FCC’s campaigns,
fashion lovers—while also empowering is altering the future of the fashion
consumers with the knowledge that industry from one that regularly garners

FOLLOW THE MOVEMENT:
INSTAGRAM: @FASHIONFORCONSERVATION
INSTAGRAM: @ELEPHANTASIA2017
WEB: FASHIONFORCONSERVATION.COM
CONTACT: VILTE ROONEY, [email protected]

10

why elephants? HOW DID YOU INITIALLY GET CONNECTED WITH AWF AND IN
ELEPHANT CONSERVATION?
MEET JIMMIEL MANDIMA
A good part of my early waking life was spent in Zambezi Valley (Zimbabwe) which
WRITER • AVA JORDAN HOLMES has one of the highest elephant populations in Africa. In the early days before AWF
I was a member of Zimbabwe Wildlife Society and was the pioneer of the Zimbabwe
African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) Environmental Education Network. In the early 2000’s when AWF was exploring
Director Jimmiel Mandima shares just starting a program I was one of the stakeholders consulted during this process. A
how critical elephants are to their few months later they invited me to be a part of the pioneering team there. I have
ecosystem and human cultures alike been with AWF since 2002.
and what exactly his team is doing to
conserve them. SPECIFICALLY WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE AT AWF ENTAIL?

12 I transitioned from being a part of the program team implementing the fieldwork
in Zimbabwe to being a lead for public relations in Washington DC. Basically what I
do is communicate and share the lessons from the field to help inform strategies of
conservation. My role is to be the voice of African Wildlife Foundation. I sit around
all the round tables with administration from different agencies like USAD, UN, US
Fish and Wildlife, Department of State, World Bank Group and other NGO’s to share
conservation strategies.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES IN PROPOSING CONSERVATION POLICIES?

In principle there is a general acceptance that biodiversity matters. That in itself is
a convenient starting point. Secondly people travel and love being on Safari. That
becomes an easy entrance to the constituents I deal with. What I find is that they are
keen to know is just how wildlife and people co-exist in Africa because it’s not just
about loving animals for the sake of animals, it’s about the big picture. This requires
learning perspectives from an African context. Believe it or not, sharing intimately
the nuances involved in the local perspectives if one has not had the privilege of
growing up in an African village is not easy. This is the biggest challenge and this is
what I offer.

WHY ARE ELEPHANTS IMPORTANT TO LOCAL PEOPLE? HOW DOES AWF
LEVERAGE THIS?

African wildlife and elephants in particular are culturally important. A good number
of communities use elephants as their totem. There are a lot of beliefs and traditions
associated with elephants. Indigenous people have always depended on hunting
and gathering historically and still today. A lot of what was and is foraged is actually
a result of what elephants do. Now we also have farmers who depend on healthy
ecosystems which elephants are a large part of maintaining.

Another good example of human dependency is where communities participating
in the management of elephants are also deriving tangible benefits in things like
eco tourism as a result of smart partnerships. Then the value of why elephants are
there is even more clear. Contrast that with areas where communities see elephants
as a problem because they damage their crops and even sometimes kill people by
walking on them. No tangible benefits occur to them. The truth of the matter is land
is short, habitats are shrinking due to agricultural expansion and urbanization. What
AWF does is be the broker of stewardships in the planning and foster the healthy
partnerships. Communities love to be involved in planning, not to just have this
prescribed way of how they should live.

13

HOW ARE LOCAL PEOPLE IMPORTANT TO ELEPHANT CONSERVATION? HOW CAN PEOPLE LEARN MORE AND EXPERIENCE WHAT YOU DO?
HOW DOES AWF WORK WITH THEM?
Visit us! We are headquartered in Nairobi Kenya and are the largest international
There is so much valuable indigenous knowledge that none of us could ever know. organization with a home in Africa which makes us the voice of Africa. We have a
Elephants use the same wildlife corridors for generations and generations that only network of landscape programs across all regions of Africa. Our landscape team
local people could ever know about so you need to engage them and let them hosts Safari groups. You are able to actually learn from our team about what we do
tell you.In the same way now when you are dealing with the crisis of poaching, the and connect with the communities. For example in Kenya you are able to connect
people that instigate this crime it’s the local people that get to know about it. If you with the women’s groups that we have helped establish that sell their crafts as
don’t involve them, they can just choose to keep quiet. Communities are the anchor part of the livestock value chain and by doing that they become a voice for wildlife
of how we can sustain the work that we do to conserve elephants and other wildlife conservation. We have some of the most unique safaris that will take you to the
because they are the actual custodians of this resource. mountains in Uganda and this is a breathtaking experience. You get to meet the
locals who even sacrifice their lives to be guardians of the Great Apes which is more
Engaging communities of any stakeholder is time consuming. You need to be than you could ever get on a safari.
extremely humble and embed yourself within communities. We have a process
of ensuring that we have community development officers that are actually local 15
people and therefore we are not seen as foreign or outsiders. Once the local people
agree and back it up we begin to do what is called land use planning where we
identify areas for agriculture and wildlife zoning. Again the key is don’t dictate, let
them bring their knowledge to the table of planning.

HOW CAN WE DESIGN CONSERVATION STRATEGY THAT ENABLE HUMANS
AND AFRICAN ELEPHANTS TO CO-EXIST?”

The big question for locals is “what is in it for us?” Our role is to say ok you own the
land, we are going to negotiate partnerships with an investor that will bring some
of the marketing and management expertise to save the value and then they get
it - it is not about superficial engagement it is about co-managing the land to foster
ecosystem services which are driven by having wildlife and benefit all of us. It’s
about mobilizing resources which can only be done with money or by experts that
volunteer their time.

We also have cases in Southern Kenya where we have developed ecotourism lodges
owned jointly by communities and private sectors and we have been able to see how
quality life improves and how communities are now willingly being proactive about
this setup. Where we are now is that we need to scale this model to other places.

Another key is education. A lot of landscapes with African elephants are in areas of
the poorest of the poor. They are far from capital cities and are neglected by central
government. What we do and encourage our other organizations to do is support
service provision for education. We have a program called Classroom Africa focusing
on primary education for the young ones by literally building schools or refurbish
existing dilapidated schools. It seems at first that this would be completely detached
from conservation, it is actually such a good incentive. Similarly, if you could identify
partners that do health service provision, improving road network, anything that
could improve the quality of life is important to the big picture. Otherwise the locals
think “why care about wildlife when I can’t even go to school or live well?”

14

LOOK: FREE.MIND collection i
JEWELRY: ASHANTI AFRICA
MAKEUP: RICK TOTH PHOTO • JAMES CHENG MODEL • JO LONSETH
HAIR: LISA VANN
17

LOOK: FREE.MIND 19
JEWELRY: ASHANTI AFRICA
MAKEUP: RICK TOTH
HAIR: LISA VANN

18

20 21

LOOK: SHRITI PRATAP 23
JEWELRY: ASHANTI AFRICA
MAKEUP: RICK TOTH
HAIR: LISA VANN

22

LOOK: SHRITI PRATAP 25
JEWELRY: ASHANTI AFRICA
MAKEUP: RICK TOTH
HAIR: LISA VANN

24

26 27

artist bios

28 29

ANNAFORA 31

BIO - ANNAFORA designed The
Empire jumpsuit, inspired by the
grandeur of the elephant. This
look aims to capture the robust
textures and shape portrayed by
an elephant´s body in a manner
that regards the animal as a royal
and powerful, as interpreted by
the Asian and African societies who
lived in close quarters with them.
Created in 2012, ANNAFORA
is a design label born out of a
love for combining culture and
aesthetic. ANNAFORA specializes
in producing seasonal collections
that target a growing androgynous
culture amongst young adults.
Each collection that is produced is
done in a contemporary manor that
challenges the norms of society,
while maintaining the quality
standards of the growing avant-
garde fashion market.
Our company targets the feminine-
centered male, and the male-
centered female, providing an
approach to fashion that is not
only androgynous, but inevitably
embodies a sense of futurism
through moral, and advanced design
construction. In addition to this, we
believe that the production of our
product should not compromise the
health, security, or human rights of
any individual.

WEB: ANNAFORA.COM
INSTAGRAM: @ANNAXFORA
FACEBOOK: @ANNAFORADESIGNS

30

KROMAGNON BIO - Kristen Luong launched KROMAGNON as a
sustainable and eco-friendly high street label featuring
both menswear and womenswear. KROMAGNON
debuted at New York Fashion Week in February 2016,
and has also shown in Seattle Eco Fashion Week
(November 2016), Brooklyn Fashion Week (March
2017), and Vancouver Eco Fashion Week (April 2017).
KROMAGNON promotes mindful luxury and sources
earth friendly materials that are renewable, organic,
natural, and biodegradable. Most fabrics are hemp
blends with sustainable fibers like tencel, peace silks,
organic cotton, and recycled water bottles. The line is
ethically and locally produced in New York City.

INSTAGRAM: @KROMAGNONNYC

32 33

ruke BIO - Neringa Ruke is a Lithuanian designer who creates
modern handmade knitwear for women. Ruke is deeply
rooted in a long standing tradition of great value in a
contemporary modern context. The collection is a reflection
of nature, mankind, and the relationship between them.
Ruke is a world of fresh and crisp rain, greenery, and lush
forests, living rivers, dusky clouds. It is a dialogue between
human and nature, human and human.

FACEBOOK: @NERINGARUKE 35
TWITTER: @NERINGARUKE
INSTAGRAM: @RUKEOFFICIAL
PINTEREST: @RUKENERINGA

34

GYPSETGIRL BIO - Combining the wanderlust of the gypsy and the global
reference of the jet set, GYPSETGIRL is a bohemian collection for
the woman who embodies an alternative, free-spirited lifestyle.
Founder, designer, and creative director Melissa Hillas started as a
world traveler and entrepreneur who was inspired by the clothing
and accessories she found in her travels, and different textures and
colors she encountered along the way. All pieces are manufactured
in both sustainable and ethically managed facilities in and outside
of the United States.

THE BRUTAL KILLING OF THESE PROUD, INSTAGRAM: @GYPSETGIRL
MAJESTIC, AND INTELLIGENT CREATURES FACEBOOK: @GYPSETGIRL
ON ITS OWN IS ENOUGH TO MAKE THIS BAZAAR INSTAGRAM: @GYPSETGIRLBAZAAR
AN IMPORTANT CAUSE FOR ME. TO THINK BAZAAR FACEBOOK: @GYPSETGIRLBAZAAR
ABOUT THE REALITY THAT ELEPHANTS
COULD BECOME EXTINCT IN MY LIFETIME
IS CRUSHING.

36 37

SHRITI PRATAp

BIO - Shriti began as a fashion
and lifestyle brand in 2009. Since
its inception the label has worked
intensively with artisan prints
which has become the essence of
the brand. Now retailing through
cities like Mumbai, Chandigarh,
Bangalore, Pune and others,
the label maintains the highest
standards of quality from fabric
procurement to the packaging.
Shriti Pratap is committed to
the brand philosophy, “keep
LEARNING. keep SHARING.
keep EVOLVING.” Shriti
Pratap integrates social and
environmental responsibility
through fashion and art in the
label’s day to day business
objectives and hopes there will
be many more brands to actively
join her in this journey. Examples THIS CAMPAIGN IS IMPORTANT TO ME BECAUSE ELEPHANTS ARE ENDANGERED
include tailoring the pieces & IF THE IVORY TRADE IS NOT SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY WE’LL NEVER EVER SEE
for the needs of woman with THE ELEPHANTS AGAIN. I DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM IN HISTORY BOOKS OR AN
breast cancer and Elephantasia: EXTINCT ANIMAL LIST. WE CAN CERTAINLY DO BETTER THAN KILLING HARMLESS
Fashion for Conservation. ANIMALS FOR A FEW PRETTY TRINKETS.

38 TWITTER: @SHRITI_PRATAP
INSTAGRAM: @SHRITIPRATAP
FACEBOOK: @SHRITIPRATAP

39

FREEMIND BIO - Free Mind represents multi functional convertible
clothes. These are dresses for the future, ambitious and
sophisticated. Free Mind focuses on the concept of
minds free of stereotypes, a universe free of superstition
and restriction. The brand was founded in 2016 and each
collection presents several articles with removable pieces,
offering up to 9 different permutations per dress, making
each a limited edition.

THE VALUES OF THE PROJECT AND THE VALUES OF FREE MIND ARE THE INSTAGRAM: @F.R.E.E_M.I.N.D
SAME. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ADHERE FACEBOOK: @FREE.MIND.ART.FASHION
TO CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION INCREASES IN THE WORLD. PARTICIPATING
IN THIS PROJECT IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THAT YOU CAN CREATE 41
BEAUTIFUL CLOTHES WITHOUT SACRIFICES. AND FASHION / ART - THESE ARE
SOCIAL PHENOMENA THAT CAN TALK ON SERIOUS TOPICS. SUCH PROJECTS
UNITE LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE AND MAKE US THINK ABOUT TRUE VALUES.

40

C. NICOL HAVING VISITED AFRICA AND INDIA WITH MY CHILDREN AND 43
EXPERIENCED ELEPHANTS IN FREEDOM AND CAPTIVITY, THIS
BIO - Cathleen Nicol began a series of short PROJECT IS VERY CLOSE TO MY HEART. TO IMAGINE A WORLD
courses with the London College of Fashion and FOR OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN WITHOUT ELEPHANTS
upon completion was inspired to embark on her THAT ARE ESSENTIALLY LEGEND IS INDEED VERY SAD.
own fashion business in designing handbags.
The handbag lining artwork that is used on
limited edition styles changes annually and is
commissioned from British and international
illustrators, graphic designers, and artists. The
first collection launched in 2015 on cnicol.com.

42

IVORY ELLA BIO - Ivory Ella is the online destination for cute and
comfortable fashion that features the latest trends and
WORKING WITH ELEPHANTASIA GIVES US THE OPPORTUNITY EXPAND helps a good cause. 10% of our net profits go directly
OUR VISION OF SAVING THE ELEPHANTS. WE HOPE TO INSPIRE OTHER to savetheelephants.org, a foundation that works to
DESIGNERS TO CREATE BRANDS THAT GIVE BACK AND CONSUMERS stop illegal ivory poaching and control other threats to
TO BUY BRANDS THAT GIVE BACK. IT IS OUR DUTY TO HELP ELEPHANTS the elephant species. Our prints are inspired by exotic
SURVIVE AMONG THE EVER-EXPANDING HUMAN RACE. destinations, whimsical adventure, late nights under
the stars, and early mornings watching the sunrise. Our
44 good-willed approach to the every day encourages
personal style that you can be proud of. Let us take
you to a world you’ve only dreamed of.

SNAPCHAT: @SHOPIVORYELLA
TWITTER: @SHOPIVORYELLA
INSTAGRAM: @IVORYELLA
FACEBOOK: @IVORYELLA

45

VISMAYA 47

BIO - The Vismaya brand is acclaimed for offering a variety
of breathtaking shawls, scarves and wraps. Ever since its
inception, Vismaya’s accessory collections have quickly
become a renowned label across the globe. The brand
offers seasonal collections of gorgeous accessories in
vibrant colors, exquisite patterns, and sumptuous fabrics
including silk, linen, wool, cotton, cashmere, modal and a
variety of blends.

INSTAGRAM: @VISMAYACOLLECTION
FACEBOOK: @VISMAYASCARVES

THIS ARTWORK VOICES THE ARTIST’S BELIEF IN MIRACLES
AS IT TOUCHES ON SCENARIOS STRAIGHT OUT OF FANTASY.
THE COLORS USED HERE ARE GENTLE AND WHIMSICAL
YET INNOCENT AND PURE. IT SHOWCASES THAT EVEN THE
UNTHINKABLE IS POSSIBLE IF ONE TRULY BELIEVES IN IT –
FOR INSTANCE, THE EXISTENCE OF A FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN
A PURPLE ELEPHANT AND A BLUE MONKEY WHO BOTH
ENJOY EACH OTHER’S COMPANY ONLY CREATES A MYSTICAL
SURROUNDING. THIS CAMPAIGN WILL RAISE AWARENESS IN
LEAPS AND BOUNDS THROUGH THE POWER OF FASHION.

46

PROPHETIK

BIO - Jeff Garner is committed to creating
distinctive, sustainable, eco-friendly fashion.
Born in Franklin, Tennessee and raised
on a horse farm, Garner was raised with a
peaceful understanding of the world. The
Prophetik label’s genesis came once Jeff
made the decision to combine his love for
his surroundings with his artistic desires.
Prophetik is established in the United States
and is fast becoming the label synonymous
with fashion-led ethical design in the
United Kingdom with widespread praise
from both ethical and mainstream fashion
media. Prophetik will soon be launching
its first concession in Nashville, TN that will
complement the over 10 high-end boutiques
that carry the line including Fred Segal, LA;
Eco Age and My Sugarland in London; and
stores in Japan and Switzerland. Jeff regularly
dresses Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift,
Kings of Leon, and other musicians.

48 ELEPHANTS ARE THE REASON OUR PLANET EXISTS TODAY…THEY
ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR FERTILIZING OUR EARTH WITH THEIR
NATURAL INSTINCT OF ROAMING 40 MILES A DAY AND DROPPING
NUTRIENT RICH ELEPHANT DUNG. THEY ARE ALSO AN ARTIST…
VISUALIZING AND RECREATING WHAT THEY SEE BY PAINTING
WITH THEIR TRUNKS AS SHOWN BY MY FABRIC FOR THE DRESS.
THEY ARE POWERFUL MYSTICAL CREATURES OF A BEAUTIFUL
DESIGN THAT SHOULD BE RESPECTED AND PROTECTED.

49

J. VON STRATTON WE MUST LIVE AND LET LIVE THE VAST ARRAY OF CREATURES
THAT INHABIT THIS BEAUTIFUL GREEN PLANET. TOGETHER, EVEN
BIO - Jamie Von Stratton taught herself how THE SMALLEST OF CHANGES CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE TO
to sew after participating in musical theater ENDANGERED SPECIES. AWARENESS IS STEP ONE IN A CONTINUOUS
in her teenage years. Her label, J. Von EFFORT TO SAVE MAJESTIC BEASTS LIKE THE ELEPHANT.
Stratton specializes in classic womenswear
and bridal. She swims strongly in the 51
costume and drag worlds, having created
works for corporations and commercials,
and Rupaul’s Drag Race alumni.

WEBSITE: JVONSTRATTON.COM

50

TALIA BAKER

BIO - Talia Baker has collaborated and designed costumes for contemporary
dance, theater, and film in New York and Mexico. Her designs have been
awarded the bronze Hempel Award at the International Young Designers contest
in Beijing and the LCI Fd Moda prize. Her work has also been showcased at
ACME headquarters, China Fashion Week, the Fashion Creators Association of
Spain, and at the “Les Metissages” exhibition as part of Barcelona International
Jewelry Week JOYA.

WEB: TALIABAKER.COM
WEB: NOTJUSTALABEL.COM/DESIGNER/TALIA-BAKER
FACEBOOK: @TALIABAKERDESIGNER

AS A DESIGNER IT IS DEEPLY FULFILLING TO BE A PART 53
OF ELEPHANTASIA, A PROJECT THAT GIVES US ALL THE
OPPORTUNITY TO ACTIVELY MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT
IN THE CONSERVATION OF OUR BEAUTIFUL PLANET.

52

re:ne(w)

BIO - Rene Garza is a New York based artist
in residency in Houston, TX and has spent
over 15 years as a fashion and celebrity
stylist, traveling the world in a business
ruled by visceral aesthetics. His work has
been published in international editions of
Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. His clients
include Sofia Vergara, Alicia Keys, Naomi
Campbell, John Legend, and Jon Bon
Jovi, among others. His fashion collection
is upcycled from post consumer textiles
donated to M&P, a nonprofit design house
dedicated to the collection and sustainable
reuse of fashion, textiles, and accessories.
Each look in the collection has been
constructed from bolt ends, waste fabric,
and donated clothing from local businesses.

WEB: MAGPIESANDPEACOCKS.ORG/#/RENEW-BY-RENE-GARZA
WEB: RENEGARZA.NET
WEB: RENEGARZAFINEART.COM

RE:NE(W) BY RENÉ GARZA IS FOUNDED ON THE CONCEPT THAT RESOURCE
SUSTAINABILITY IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERY INDIVIDUAL - BEING
CONSCIOUS OF BOTH OUR ACTIONS AND THEIR IMPACT. THE ELEPHANTASIA
CAMPAIGN ALIGNS BEAUTIFULLY WITH OUR MISSION, AS THE CONSERVATION
OF ANIMALS IS FUNDAMENTAL TO THE PRESERVATION OF OUR PLANET.

54 55

the autonomous collection

BIO - The Autonomous Collections is a London based brand
taking an ethical approach to fabrication and design. The
brand offers a bold aesthetic that is wearable and considered.
Founder and Designer at The Autonomous Collections, Kim
Stevenson is from Geelong, Australia. The inspiration Stevenson
uses throughout her designs are the combination of rural meets
city life. Nature Vs Man is a constant inspiration for her and
likes to produce work that represents the value of handcraft, but
also aesthetically appeals to exciting new directions in style and
youth culture. Stevenson produced her A/W 2015-16 collection
which was shown at London Fashion week in February and the
brand is now stocked in London’s LN-CC and online and has
been featured in a number of magazines and news papers.

WEB: THEAUTONOMOUSCOLLECTIONS.COM

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE HELP TO PRESERVE THIS SPECIES, NOT ONLY JUST 57
BECAUSE I AM AN ANIMAL LOVER BUT FOR CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL
ISSUES. ONE OF MY FAVOURITE QUOTES ARE: HUMAN KIND HAS NOT WOVEN
THE WEB OF LIFE, WE ARE BUT ONE THREAD WITHIN IT, WHATEVER WE DO TO THE
WEB, WE DO TO OURSELVES, ALL THINGS ARE BOUND TOGETHER, ALL THINGS
CONNECT. THE ELEPHANT IS AN EXTREMELY PEACEFUL AND INTELLIGENT
CREATURE AND I AM VERY PROUD TO BE APART OF THIS PROCESS.

56

MEREDITH ALLEN BIO - Meredith Kelly Allen is an ethical,
contemporary womenswear designer
A WORLD WHERE ELEPHANTS CAN POPULATE with a strong connection towards
CREATES A BALANCED WORLD FOR ALL LIVING nature. A conceptual thinker, Meredith
THINGS. ONCE THE HUMAN EGO IS RIPPED draws constant inspiration from shapes,
AWAY WE REALIZE ALL CREATURES NEED EACH textures and uniformity created in
OTHER. WE ARE NOT ONE WITHOUT THE OTHER. nature, abstract concepts juxtaposed
with functional, wearable pieces for the
58 every day woman. 360 design drives
all of Meredith’s looks by giving the
wearer confidence that all angles will
spark visual interest. With a deep belief
that passion should be countered with
purpose, all of Meredith’s looks strive to
be eco conscious, ethical and mindful.
Meredith has conducted research
on different outlets of eco-fashion
with extensive research on garment
dye. Meredith currently resides part
time in Los Angeles and New York. 

WEB: MEREDITHKELLYALLEN.COM

59

rachel allan

WE AT RACHEL ALLAN SUPPORT ELEPHANTASIA BECAUSE
WE WANT TO HELP BRING AWARENESS TO THE MANY ISSUES
SURROUNDING AND EFFECTING ELEPHANTS, SUCH AS
BEING POACHED FOR THEIR IVORY TUSKS OR LOSING LARGE
AMOUNTS OF THEIR HABITATS DUE TO HUMAN EXPANSION

BIO - Rebecca O’Connor and Clyde Rohrer co- INSTAGRAM: @RACHELALLAN
design for Rachel Allan. Rachel Allan is a wholesale SNAPCHAT: @REALRACHELALLAN
company that specializes in prom, homecoming, FACEBOOK: @REALRACHELALLAN
couture, and special occasion dresses. Bridal is new TWITTER: @RACHELALLAN
for the line and will be introduced in Spring of 2018.  PINTEREST: RACHELALLANPROM
YOUTUBE: RACHEL ALLAN

60 61

GABRIELA ROSE BIO - Established in 2011 by designer Gabriela Pope of Romanian roots
and inspired by an English lifestyle, Gabriela Rose is a luxury British brand
recognized for its unique use of British and Scottish tweeds combined
with brightly printed jacquard lining inside garments including collars and
cuffs, and for its flattening lines used in the tailoring process. Signature
pieces include the Gabriela Rose Velvet & Tweed Wraps, the tailored
Halkin jacket, the Berkeley coat, and the Venetian cape.

FACEBOOK: @GABRIELAROSELONDON
INSTAGRAM: @GABRIELAROSELONDON
TWITTER: @GABRIELAROSEGR

STRONG, GENTLE, ELEGANT, GRACEFUL, AND BEAUTIFUL. WORDS THAT
DESCRIBE ELEPHANTS THAT ARE ALSO SYNONYMOUS WITH OUR LABEL.
WE TAKE INSPIRATION FROM THEIR KINDNESS AND WISDOM TO PRODUCE
SUSTAINABLE FASHION FOR A WORLD WE MUST SHARE WITH THESE
MAGNIFICENT ANIMALS AND THE NATURAL WORLD.

62 63

TATIANA SHABELNIK

BIO - Contrasting contemporary Los Angeles glitz and glamour WEB: TATIANASHABELNIK.COM ELEPHANTS ARE ONE OF MY FAVORITE SACRED ANIMALS. WHEN I
with her Belarusian heritage, Tatiana Shabelnik’s collection ONLINE STORE: TATIANASHABELNIKBOUTIQUE.COM ARRIVED TO UNITED STATES FROM BELARUS IN 1994, I BROUGHT ONLY
“Contrast” is a dramatic fusion of bold colors and textures in INSTAGRAM: @TATIANASHABELNIK ONE SUITCASE. ONE OF THE THINGS INSIDE WAS A NATURAL STONE
leather and pure silks. Published in many international magazines TWITTER: @TATIANASHABELNIK ELEPHANT THAT I ALWAYS BELIEVED WAS SACRED AND WOULD PROTECT
including VOGUE UK, GLAMOUR UK, House of Coco, Los Angeles FACEBOOK: @TATIANASHABELNIKFASHIONDESIGN ME AS LONG AS I CARRIED IT. ACCORDING TO BUDDHISTS, “WHITE”
Times and other publications, as well as seen on the runways ELEPHANTS CARRY SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE. AS A LONG TIME ROTARIAN,
in Los Angeles, Orange County, Dubai and Vancouver, Tatiana EDUCATOR AND FASHION DESIGNER, I TRULY BELIEVE IN DOING THINGS
wants to bring high end wearable art to everyone globally. FOR A GOOD CAUSE. I BELIEVE IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SPREAD
THE IMPORTANT MESSAGE ACROSS THE GLOBE, HOW CRUCIAL IT IS TO
64 SAVE ELEPHANTS FROM KILLING.

65

wildlifedirect

BIO - Empowering communities living with Amboseli Elephants “Turning challenges WILDLIFEDIRECT IS DEDICATED TO CHANGING MINDS,
into opportunities:” BEHAVIOUR AND LAWS TO ENSURE AFRICA’S CRITICAL
We have lived for thousands of years with wildlife in the greater Amboseli Landscape. SPECIES ENDURE FOREVER.
We are a proud people with strong and colourful traditions that have always respected
wildlife and nature. By protecting our magnificent wildlife, we play a major part in 67
Kenya’s economy. We therefore are advocating and boosting the alternatives of
livelihoods that enable us to protect and co-exist with wildlife such as beading and
selling of beaded products Our bead work project celebrates our traditions and skills
in beading, our culture of cooperation and our sense of pride in our community. The
profits that we make will improve our lives, support the education and health of our
families. The impact of our work will be felt around the world as it brings pleasure
to people very far away and remind them to come back to Kenya. We are happy and
proud that through this work, we are also helping to save the magnificent elephants
of Amboseli.
We are proud and humbled for the support from H. E. Margaret Kenyatta, The First Lady
of the Republic of Kenya, the United Nations Development Program, Wildlifedirect
Kenya, Big Life and the Kenya Wildlife Service for helping us to achieve our dreams.

66

collection iI

PHOTO • JAMES CHENG MODEL • HANNAH GABREHIWET

LOOK: PROPHETIK 69
JEWELRY: ASHANTI AFRICA
MAKEUP: BEK HARVEY
HAIR: LISA VANN

68

LOOK: NO VOICE 71
JEWELRY: ASHANTI AFRICA
MAKEUP: BEK HARVEY
HAIR: LISA VANN

70

LOOK: MEREDITH KELLY ALLEN 73
JEWELRY: ASHANTI AFRICA
MAKEUP: BEK HARVEY
HAIR: LISA VANN

72

LOOK: THE AUTONOMOUS COLLECTION 75
JEWELRY: ASHANTI AFRICA
MAKEUP: BEK HARVEY
HAIR: LISA VANN

74

collection iII
PHOTO • MODEL •

76 77

membership information upcoming events at ffc

TAKE A STAND FOR CONSERVATION, SEPTEMBER 18TH 17 - ELEPHANTASIA OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY
BECOME A LIFETIME VIP AT FFC EVENTS (BY INVITATION ONLY)

WELCOME TO ELEPHANTASIA PACKAGE Celebrate the closing of Elephantasia SS19 and preview fashion for our upcoming campaign
(VALUED OVER £500) to save the rainforest.

WELCOME TO ELEPHANTASIA PACKAGE £96: JUNE 1ST 18 - Runway to Save the Rainforest
• V IP Invitation to the official Elephantasia SS18 after
party at London Fashion Week, September 18th 2017. Take a walk through the fashion jungles of the world, experiencing couture interpretations of
• Limited edition elephant family photo gifted from rainforest from the home countries of participating international designers and protecting
Chantelle Melzer valued at $280 US dollars. the diversity of amazonian wildlife, habitats and native cultures with Hoja Nueva.
• Artisan crafted small-batch rose truffles from the Ivory
coast and hand-made in Shoreditch by Dark Sugars AUGUST 12TH 18 Elephantasia World Tour Closing
(Europe and Africa) Gala 501(c)(3)
• Invitation to exclusive Elephantasia member-only events
and experiences upcoming in Ibiza, Berlin, London, Don´t miss the grand finale! Witness the culmination of every season´s elephant inspired
Tokyo, Capetown, New York, Seattle, and Los Angeles. designs from the Elephantasia world tour 2016-2018 at a once in a lifetime New York City
• Heart sized stuffed elephant friend gifted from the gala in continued support of the African Wildlife Foundation and Elephant Crisis Fund.
African Wildlife Foundation. *Does not include FFC fashion week exhibitions taking place in CapeTown, London, Berlin,
• T hank You Card printed on elephant dung paper by Ibiza, Milan, Paris, Tokyo, LA, and elsewhere.
Elephant Poo Paper.
• Fashionforconservation.com/membership 79
• £96 Tax-deductible receipt matching your donation
amount. Proceeds support critical conservation initiatives
with African Wildlife Foundation and Elephant Crisis Fund.

Fashionforconservation.com/membership

78