Rock Fusion

I don’t usually dress like a Mongolian shepherd meets Eskimo dog-sled driver, but when I do I make sure the weather is little over 10F degrees warmer than it’s bearable while sauntering through the back alleys of Oakland with Afshan — good friend, co-founder of Purple Impression, and my impromptu fashion photographer. Embroidery has a special place in my fashion repertoire because it lends a decadent experience built around patterns, color combinations, and cultural heritage. The Chinese are well known for our embroidered silks that once was enjoyed only by royalty- people used to believe that silk spun by silkworms was a gift from the divinities. Unfortunately, much of the embroidery in commercially available clothing has been industrialized, and this art form is at risk of extinction as younger generations become more engaged in technology-driven economies. Regardless of the origin, I am obsessed with this top that’s dubbed “Rock Fusion”- this was the one piece that drew me into this sustainable brand. I think it has this edgy subtle paisley effect, and the muted colors compliment the navy blue material. Also, I got this awesome vintage fur vest at Connie’s Clothesline during a random trip to South Lake Tahoe in the summer — I've got impeccable timing for lugging around (pre-owned) fur. Anyway, you should check it out to double down on your sustainable style!

Purple Impression FW 2015

Model Nile Girard wearing Purple Impression’s organic hand-embroidered scarf, photo by me.

What originally caught my eye was the stunning floral needlework featured on a casual tunics, which I first noticed at the San Francisco’s 2nd Annual Sustainable Fashion Week International Event. And as a sucker for all things elaborately embroidered, I gravitated over like a kid in a candy store to be greeted by Drakshan- the designer and social entrepreneur behind the ethical fashion line Purple Impression. It’s a special type of experience to cross paths with people that exude natural authenticity, and getting to know Drakshan made initiating a creative collaboration even more gratifying.

Model Nile Giruard in Purple Impression Embroidered Summer Tunic dress in White, photo by me.

Income inequalities in developing countries aren't foreign, but it is nonetheless a brave endeavor to try to elevate the issue. In the case of Purple Impression, it was an eye-opening and honest experience to learn about the Pakistani communities of Drakshan’s heritage. During multiple trips to her motherland, she observed the stifling limitations on women in impoverished regions of Pakistan. Married women aren’t allowed to leave their homes due to strict social regulations that are enforced by their husband’s and fathers. Thus limiting their economic abilities to establish their financial independence and ultimately choices they make in their lives.

Model Nile Giruard wearing Purple Impression Hand-block printed tunic blouse, photo by me.

So instead of staying frustrated, Drakshan went (thread)balls out with Purple Impression by infusing her professional background in finance with a sustainable fashion solution. The Ethical Stitch project, which emerged from the vein of Purple Impression business model, that reinvigorates a dying fashionable art form to empower artisans, mostly women, with a source of financial freedom which has already been used towards medical aid, higher education for their children, and nutritional supplementation. For more details about the ethical and sustainable model behind Purple Impression, check out this awesome interview by Sustainably Chic: 

Model Nile Giraurd in Purple Impression Asma Button-down shirt, photo by me.

Beyond the fabric of fashion, Drakshan weaves a story of optimism in the face of adversity. The challenges she faced as a woman finding her footing in a foreign country, the impact of her Islam traditions on her social enterprise, and the struggles of motherhood that inspired her passion to empower other mothers are the culmination of Purple Impression. I can only hope that my visual expression of this fashion line will inspire you to ditch mass produced threads for ethical stitch. -VF