The brand, founded by former Lisaa students, was awarded a prize during the « Elans de Mode »

For the fifth consecutive year, the French Ready-to-Wear Federation gave out « Elans de Mode » (Fashion Momentum) awards during their General Assembly. These prizes distinguish men and women who, by their entrepreneurial spirit, creative daring and fashion sense, contribute to the radiance and impact of French women’s ready-to-wear.

The 2007 Elans de Mode honored brands whose strategy and practices are based on equitable trade. The prizes were awarded by Lady Owen Jones, UNESCO’s Good Will Ambassador.

« Les fées du Bengale » was founded by Sophie Dupuis, Camille Dupuis, a 2002 Lisaa Graphic Design graduate and Elodie Le Derf, a 2003 Lisaa Fashion graduate.

Interview with Elodie Le Derf, Lisaa fashion graduate

- What is the « Fées du Bengale » story ?

We are three associates : Sophie is commercial director, her sister Camille is a graphic designer and I’m a fashion designer. All three of us were fascinated by India and in 2005 we decided to start an equitable trade company.

- What is your concept ?

We realized that there is an untapped niche in equitable trade : most brands are sportswear or streetwear oriented. We decided to position ourselves for the women’s designer market.

- How did your project develop ?

At the beginning of 2006 all three of us went to India to meet and select the people with whom we wanted to work. During the trip, we designed and made ten women’s tops.

In India, we work with two NGOs. The first spins organic cotton and does ecological dyeing.

The second assembles garments. This NGO specializes in reinserting women from the Bombay slums. It sponsors many small cooperatives and assures that the women working there are trained, correctly paid and benefit from social programs.

- How is your brand evolving ?

We are on the fourth collection and we continue to present richer, more varied products and materials. We are sold both in « equitable trade» sales points and designer boutiques : we have a double label.

- What are your projects ?

For style, we will propose new fabrics for Winter 2009 : merino wool and organic fleece. For sales, we hope to sell in the United States and Japan.

- What advice would you give Lisaa students ?

Believe in your projects and don’t get discouraged. When we started our brand, the three of us combined had a personal investment of 9000 euros. We were laughed at and told this was ridiculous. In the end, we raised 54,000 euros to begin our company.

And above all, invest in equitable trade and ethical fashion. This is the future for all areas and particularly for the clothing industry.

For the Fées du Bengale site : click here