Fashion is expression – expression of personality, style and culture. Fashion is also art! I have a degree in apparel and textile design, and from my years in college I can tell you, it’s not at all easy to make a piece of clothing or the textile behind it. Fashion designers must have patience, skill, a keen eye and a love for what they do. As I said, it’s a true artform. The best part of fashion being art is that we can wear it everyday, and show it off to the world. I personally love shopping at small boutiques, and from lesser known designers, so I have unique pieces that others might not have, but that they might ask about. That’s a goal with art, to get people talking, and to open their mind to new perspectives.

It’s fun to find these “art pieces” while shopping on trips and vacations, when you can buy local and bring that art back home. While I always love seeing and touching a piece, plus trying it on before I purchase it, the world we live in now offers endless opportunities to find fashion from around the world, from artisans of all specialities, simply with the click of a button. The world wide web, you’ve got to love it! Which is what brings me to a company I was recently introduced to – NOVICA.

Novica was founded to bring creators and artisans from around the globe together in one community. Novica empowers artisans and preserve cultures worldwide, all while bringing the world’s finest handmade fair trade gifts, jewelry, fashions, and decor directly to your doorstep – with the click of a button. You can support “local” artists from anywhere in the world, and you get to display that art in your neck of the woods. Not only do you get a beautiful new piece of “art” (in whatever form you choose), but you also get to support the artisans lives as well. It’s shopping for a cause, and with this beautiful skirt in-particular, it’s definitely plaid with a purpose.

This skirt, with unique blends of blues and corals is buttery soft and impeccably made. It’s comfortable, stylish and unique. Plus it came all the way from Peru, and guess what – I’ve never been there. I never had to leave to my house to get it. The delivery was swift, and the packaging adorable, with a nice thank you note and photo from the designers in Peru.

There is a big push for sustainable fashion right now, and with that comes education and responsibility. Knowing who you’re buying from, where the materials come from, the labor that goes into it and the crafters behind it is really important. Novica makes it easy to feel good about your purchases, to have well made, high quality pieces, to love what you wear and to express yourself, all while showcasing beautiful, fashionable art!

Signed with Style,