I love the idea of giving something when I purchase something. Lately, I've noticed several really beautiful new products created with a cause in mind, and I've been thinking of creating a few limited edition products that would benefit environmental and animal-welfare causes.
Businesswise, doing a pro-bono or "proceeds go to" project or capsule collection in your own line is a great way not only to promote a cause you believe in, but to gain positive buzz for your own products. Also, as a designer, I think it's a great doorway into designing something that you might not have otherwise-- and to step outside your usual collection's asthetic and allow yourself to be inspired by something new, while using your signature style to express it. (Diane Von Furstenburg's projects up here are a good example).
Communitywise, donating proceeds from projects to ideas you care about is a way to build connections with other creatives and contacts who are also involved, and to share a common purpose with other people. Anyway, I thought I would share some of them here. You can check them out to see which causes they're giving back to.
Links:
I ADORE Sarah Pinto's 2010 planners and notebooks. This new designer has a small, versatile, and focused line of books. View these products and learn more about Sarah's personally charged cause at See Jane Work
A brand that has always inspired with their one for one policy-- Tom's. I'm really loving their new lace-up Cordones!
Diane Von Furstenburg supports local and worldwide causes with her Proud to Be Woman Tote and High Line Beach Towel
And finally, Etsy is a great place to create buzz around a cause you care about... search for Etsy Project Embrace to learn more about what these smart Etsians are doing with their hearts and hands.
If you have seen any products that have a great cause behind them, post them here so that we can check them out! : )
Yeah....this is so awesome! I love toms for what they do and anybody else as well. Thanks for alerting me to the etsy project embrace, awesome.
xo
Melis
Posted by: Account Deleted | Sep 23, 2009 at 10:18 AM
I just ordered the beige ones last night for my daughter who wanted them. You can also find a $5 off coupon for Toms as a first customer if you do a search on the web for "Toms Shoes Discount Code". It helps since you have to pay sales tax and shipping.
Posted by: Shari | Sep 23, 2009 at 02:37 PM
Ooooh Shari! Thank you for the tip! I looked on Zappos to see if I could get some $ off shipping, but, as they say...."no dice"...
I'm definitely going to order some, and now I just need to pick which ones! Thanks again for letting me know!
xx s
Posted by: Susy | Sep 23, 2009 at 03:04 PM
Here's the link: http://www.couponcodes4u.com/discounts/tomsshoes.com#discounts
Posted by: Shari | Sep 23, 2009 at 03:21 PM
thank you so much Sweet Lady! ...my feet thank you too! ; )
Posted by: Susy | Sep 23, 2009 at 04:41 PM
Hey Girlie! ...me too. I definitely need to get brainstorming on a little karmic goodness for my own line. I would love to try that. ...sorry bout the skull notebook! couldn't resist it. : ) xx
Posted by: Susy | Sep 23, 2009 at 04:42 PM
I did have to come out of 'lurk-dom'! I love your blog!
Posted by: Pragya | Sep 23, 2009 at 04:59 PM