Fair Trade Fashion

The CosmoQueen Foundation is an apolitical non-profit organisation, and a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) according to Dutch Law.
The CosmoQueen Foundation aims to combat poverty by generating work for underprivileged women from outside Europe, regardless of their political or religious background. This is in line with the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals, namely: 1) Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; 3) Promote gender equality and empower women; and 8) Develop a global partnership for development.

How?

The exclusive fashion brand, CosmoQueen (CQ), was established to generate work for underprivileged women.
CosmoQueen designs contemporary, elegant and luxurious couture shawls and plaids and has these designs produced following an unique concept.
Prior to setting up a project in a particular country, CQ requires that certain criteria are satisfied. Once it is apparent that a country satisfies these criteria, CQ visits the country to study women’s traditional handicrafts and make an inventory of the available local products.

Using the existing local handicrafts and traditions as the starting point, and adapting these to a new design inspired by the latest Western fashion trends, a beautiful fashionable product is created which has a special magical touch. It’s a win-win situation: the consumer can be proud of an unique and exclusive accessory of unquestionable high-quality, and the underprivileged woman is proud that she is able to generate her own income by making products that utilise her traditional skills. The production and purchase of these sumptuous, meticulously made couture shawls are in accordance with the principle of Fair Trade. They are then sold within the top segment of the Western market.

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Why?

The establishment of work-generating projects for women has been shown to be one of the most effective ways of combating poverty. Women have a positive work ethic, are motivated to break out of the spiral of poverty and, because they feel responsible for their family, use their income sparingly. Their salary is spent on the primary necessities such as food, housing, medication and education for their children. They also show consideration for other family members’ needs. Furthermore, work brings women out of their social isolation, their knowledge is shared, and the women become more positive about their abilities. Empowering women also has a huge multiplying effect.
In addition, combating poverty has a positive influence on world peace. The combination of being able to work and generate an income, offers people the chance of a better existence: it gives hope, enthusiasm and positive expectations for the future. People occupied with self-development, their growing enterprise or their family members, have a positive outlook, and are hopeful and optimistic. This contributes to world peace.

Organisational structure

The international Board of the Foundation consists of five Board Members, professionals who are employed in various fields such as work and health psychology, fashion design and production, interior design and business development. All Board Members have an international track record.
In addition to this, CQ has a Supervisory Board, an Advice Group, Project Groups and Founding Partners. The Supervisory Board is currently being established and will comprise 3 people. The Advice Group is composed of seven specialists who are also often involved in the different Project Groups. Like the Board, the Advice Group is made up of professional women, employed in various different fields.