HUMANS WHO DESIGN: PORTRAIT SERIES

If one is lucky enough, there may come a time when one starts to strive for something bigger than themselves, and go after ideas that once seemed impossible to achieve. This past summer, I was thrilled to join my good friend Natalya Nyn of Toy Syndrome, as she and Jessica Wade took on an exciting and ambitious new endeavor. Humans Who Design , a  project that strives to bring awareness to various social causes in the Design Industry. 

HWD is an organization aimed to create a positive impact in the fashion industry, by showcasing and working with designers that have socially progressive, humanitarian, and environmental initiatives. They work on encouraging collaborations with nonprofit organizations and other designers to create campaigns, develop products, and collaborate on fundraising events in hopes to make the world a better place.

Over the summer I got to meet 25 crazy talented NYC designers, and had the opportunity to create beautiful portraits that were later exhibited at FIT School of Art and Design, alongside the panel discussions with fashion industry leaders.

Despite it being a challenging a few months of shooting in New York summer heat, pushing through deadlines, etc, we came up with a great series that, as we hope, will showcase these amazing creatives and help them get the recognition they deserve.

Wing Yau

“Ultimately, I'd like our responsible actions to also contribute to social good, to really helping people, and specifically [helping] mining communities." 

Wing Yau

Wing Yau

Becca McCharen-Tran

“I believe fashion designers have the responsibility to take action, to encourage body positivity by featuring diverse models in their runway shows and campaigns. When you don't see yourself reflected in fashion magazines and in the media, when you are erased or invisible within this narrow definition of beauty, it can be very damaging.” 

Chromat

Cristina Ottaviano

“I chose the Breast Cancer Research Foundation because my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was ten years old and this disease that has affected other members of my family as well. My mother is alive and well today and I am so grateful for that.” 

Rebecca Szymczak of BEX

“My uncle and one of my best friends both passed away of AIDS related complications ...I also really appreciate the work Designers Against AIDS does to increase awareness and prevention of HIV to a younger demographic internationally.” 

Ayaka Nishi

“I have been inspired by nature and natural elements since I was young and I feel strongly about sustainability and protecting the environment. I use recycled materials in my jewelry as much as possible.” 

Erika Schuster of ERIKA RAE

“My cause, I guess you can say, is supporting domestic, particularly NY based, production/manufacturing.... and as a side note it just happens to work out that all the production people are women too.” 

Daniel Silverstain

“Supporting local manufacturing is the most sustainable act to do in our multi-globalized industry. Bringing back the attention of consumers to local handcraftsmanship and its importance is vital to our industry and all small businesses.” 

Jessica Wade

“As a designer one should be open to helping, because using your skill and your business to help make the world a better place is everything.” 

Astrid Brucker

"Learning a craft while young helps kids appreciate the world around them." 

Blair Lauren Brown

“I have designed this line out of a pure love for the outdoors and an absolute respect for the rough and wild land where I was born.” 

Darshan Manghnani

“Growing up, fashion and art were a source of great strength to me, so the cause was something I could relate to. I'd love to help in any way I can to bring the creative experience to these kids, and ignite an artist in each of them!” 

Camesha Powell

“...Being of Caribbean nationality and a true lover of the beach and our environment as a whole, I think it's crucial to play a more active part in preserving our natural assets... It's my way of contributing back to society, and playing my part in preserving the natural elements that so many of us enjoy worldwide."

Daniel Silverstein

“The whole purpose of zero waste daniel is to prove that zero waste is possible at any price point from mass market to luxury. ZWD minimizes the wasteful impact the fashion industry has on our planet.” 

Andrea Bocchio

“It has always been important to me to find a way to give back to my own country, so much of my work is inspired by traditional Peruvian styles. Having the opportunity to work with inmates came by chance a couple of years ago and opened the door to move in that direction.” 

Mimi Prober

“I chose this philosophy and approach to design as I value the individual history, and wish to preserve the story of the artists by honoring each hand that created the art.” 

Caroline Fuss of Harare

“Every season we produce goods from our artisan partners, when these goods go to market we make sure the production happens in the same communities thus providing consistent and ever-growing work for our partners.” 

Caroline Fuss of Harare

Sandra Gagalo of Saga

“People can make a huge difference by becoming conscious shoppers and demanding transparency from brands and companies. It would help the environment and raise factory ethic laws if more people supported independent designers and bought quality clothes.” 

Paola Delgado of Mujus

“Working with artisans that want to improve themselves in a way that can foster the growth of the communities they live in as well as help the company grow.” 

Paola Delgado of Mujus

Sheena Sood of ABACAXI

“All abacaxi clothing has been made locally in NYC, and I am committed to using fair labor. This is something that is important to me." 

Kristi Sorensen

"I love the concept of enriching lives through fashion and using it to help create awareness on issues from cancer to sustainability." 

Sarah Zoe Canner

"Our whole collection is built around supporting the cause of road safety and sustainable transportation, primarily bicycling. Our mission is to inspire and empower people to get around on two wheels by offering them clothing and accessories that enhance their visibility and safety without sacrificing their sense of style.” 

Tara St. James of STUDY NY

“...Our social justice work is done through the employment of women-owned artisan groups in the United States and abroad...” 

Tara St. James of STUDY NY

Kalen Kaminski of Upstate

“I've always appreciated made in the USA items. I think it's important for our economy to keep manufacturing in the states.” 

Carrie Morrissey of ISLY NYC

“It is important to our brand, as our name implies, that we see this community of small business women as a powerful support system for realizing collective goals to be nurtured and developed, not as a competitive, zero-sum game to be won at the expense of others.” 

Natalya Nyn

“Raising awareness about voter registration is so important because politics can make huge positive changes on a structural level. There are so many causes I am passionate about and I want to contribute to them by having our government support them.”