Fair Indigo Blog

Color inspires lots of suggestions. More colors, brighter colors, darker colors, softer colors, more vibrant colors, a navy that's more blue, a navy that's less blue. It's totally understandable! Color is very personal. So why not just have MORE colors?

 For many of us, the question of, “What do I wear today?” has morphed into, “Should I get dressed today?”

Jody was the first person to encourage me to start Fair Indigo, which isn’t a surprise to anyone who knew her. She encouraged everyone to go for their dream, however improbable it seemed to most. Other good friends, rightfully, advised caution – a big risk, securing investors, long hours. But Jody – “you have to do this!” Jody believed.

As Fashion Revolution Week approaches, we're considering our favorite articles of clothing. Fair Indigo's designer tells the story of one such piece that got a second chance at life and a new place in her wardrobe. A fashion love story for 2020.

We all have our favorite small businesses, from the coffee shop around the corner or your favorite small online retailer. Small businesses give us individualized service, help our communities thrive, and provide much needed diversity in our local economy. Now, more than ever, small businesses need our help.

Last year we made the authentically-minded move to use real people to model our clothing. Our newest model is a Madison-based body-positive model and wardrobe stylist who uses her blog to explore size-inclusive fashion and talk about her own self-love journey. Meet model Katrina Simyab.

Have you ever considered what it takes to make a single t-shirt? A handful of seeds, 15 months, and 97 pairs of hands is just the beginning.

We all know a good brand of reusable shopping bags, and I've even made some of my own over the years. Reusable water bottles are great and save money. But there must be something better. So I interviewed Kate Marnach, cofounder of Minnesota's first zero-waste market, Tare Market, on going waste-free.

Creating a dress made almost entirely from paper is a lot harder than it looks. We now know this after participating in Madison Reading Project's Read(y) to Wear paper-inspired fashion show this February. Read about our first experience participating in this fun event - it sure won't be our last!

Gabriel and Irma built a new house in a neighborhood that's safer and has a public school their kids can attend. It's just one of the ways you're making a difference.

Thirteen years after we started Fair Indigo, thousands of miles, and dozens of battle scars later, we can look back and celebrate that we were true pioneers in this Ethical Clothing movement.

Join us for a FREE screening of The True Cost - an informative and compelling documentary that explains the multifaceted issue that is fast fashion (hint: human trafficking and unsustainable business practices are key components).

September here may be synonymous with a break in the summer heat, the start of football season, and, of course, Back To School. But in Peru, it's spring and the home stretch for the school year which extends from March through December.

The REVIVE Fashion Show fundraiser benefitting Dressember - a non-profit organization started to raise awareness and funds to end modern day slavery and human trafficking - is coming together, and in a few short weeks we'll be gathering in Madison, Wisconsin for a night of upcycled fashion, an ethically made and handmade pop up market, music and entertainment, all while raising funds for a good cause!

Successfully growing organic Pima cotton is truly a labor of love. It often feels like the weather and climate decks are stacked against a successful harvest. In 2017, a perfect storm nearly forced us to abandon organic Pima cotton for a season. But now...we're more ready than ever to weather whatever nature throws our way.

In recognition of Mother's Day, meet Elsa - the rock of our operations in Peru. A mom of two. Grandmother of two as well. And like a second mom to countless women and men whose lives have been touched by her talent, grit, and generosity.

A true love story isn't all romance and butterflies and magic. True love is time and effort. True love is caring. True love endures. Let me tell you a fashion love story.

When is a dress more than just a piece of clothing? When it becomes the symbol of a movement. When it inspires conversations. When it motivates and encourages and brings hope. When it empowers. Dressember's slogan is "You can do anything in a dress" and I couldn't agree more. Never heard of Dressember? Let me give you a little background.