A Matter of Pride

I’m going to go out on a Jerry Magquire limb here and suggest that if we want to create jobs in America it would be easily accomplished by having US based apparel companies make the commitment to move just a tiny portion of their production back to the USA.

I know all the arguments for moving production overseas, but am wondering in the Obama era why there couldn’t be a tax break for companies to make the adjustment to bring some of their production back to the USA. I am by no means suggesting that apparel companies forego the profitable international sourcing partnerships they have developed, I’m just thinking that even a 1-2% adjustment back to domestic production would keep tens of thousands of people who are watching their industry dry up remain employed and not really impact the bottom line at all.


Think of the goodwill it would create for those companies with people throughout America. Think of the people who would be able to come off unemployment and other social services we pay for. Think of the pride in helping our economy grow jobs and the income it would create.


There are lots of brands and companies that DO produce in the USA and without knowing it, we by buying those products have helped keep the apparel industry in the US alive. My hope is a subtle switch can get this industry that I love away from the abyss of extinction and back to thriving.


Donna Karan has been talking about this all year, probably longer – and I believe she is right. It is a sad thing to have a brand with strong US history produce 100% of the goods it sells elsewhere. I understand wanting a low price – hey, I’ve been seen happily shopping at Loehmanns, TJMaxx and even thrift shops, but it doesn’t replace my desire to help out our country’s economy with a small simple step.


Would I pay $2.00 more for a t-shirt made in the USA? Of course. And I have.  And if you say you wouldn’t, I ask you, wouldn’t you want someone to do something so small as pay a little more for something that would keep you employed?


We produce all of our dresses in the USA and are looking to expand our production further to help do our part.   It is a small step, but one we are happy to make.  That's why they aren't as inexpensive as other dresses you'll find out there, but we believe it is worth it.

Giving

We launched our new website yesterday.  There is a lot about it that I am really happy with, easier functionality, more imagery, fun videos.  But what I'm most excited about is that we have found a place to share with you our belief in corporate giving.

We believe everyone needs to give back in a way they are comfortable with.  For years now we have been recycling, and have even started using clean, reclaimed cardboard boxes that would otherwise be thrown out, for shipping.

But only in the last couple of years have we truly embraced corporate giving.  Yes, since day one we have given to Make A Wish, Susan B. Komen and to the LA Times Family Fund, all admirable and good charities.  But then we found Fashion Delivers.

What I love about Fashion Delivers is that companies don't just give money, they give product.  Product that people in need can use and wear.  There is a real loss of diginity when someone doesn't have anything to wear due to natural disaster, fire, or fleeing an abusive relationship to save their lives.  And while much of what we make and sell isn't something someone can wear openly down the street, we have been told through our contacts at Fashion Delivers that our product is greeted with just as much enthusiasm anything else they receive. 

When I first heard this, I really wondered why.  What does a bathing suit or cover-up offer to that person who is in the process of rebuilding their lives?  After some serious consideration, I think I finally have the answer.  Normalcy and Promise.  It is the promise of a normal life full of challenges, trips to the grocery store and maybe, just maybe, a trip to the pool or beach in the summer.  It gives them a glimmer of hope and something pretty to have that is not 100% function, something any fashion lover can relate to.

And so, we continue to give to Fashion Delivers.  We continue to feel good about our charity of choice.  And we are thankful that the products we love, Poko Pano, Lil' Bettie and Arabella can add a sparkle to someone's eyes when they might need it most.

Enjoy our new website.  And please, take a moment to check out the fabulous work Fashion Delivers does for people just like us, all over the country.