In 2002, Ann Leroux and her daughter Leslie Leroux, came up with the idea of using fashion to change the way business was being done on the global marketplace. Inspired by the “Trade Not Aid” slogan adopted by developing countries, the pair decided to build a fashion house that embodied Fair Trade practices from the ground up. They would pay a fair price for raw materials and for the processing and manufacture of clothing that met international standards of fashion and quality. They would transmit skills and business know-how to their working partners in developing countries and contribute to local communities. And their garments would be created from organic materials cultivated without harm to the environment or the health of its inhabitants.
Today, Ethos Paris a thriving fashion house in Paris, France producing stylish, high-quality garments made from organic materials. Every person involved in the production, design and sale of all Ethos creations is paid a living wage while sustainability and ethical practices form the basis of the company’s business activities in developing countries.
Parisian designer Johanna Riplinger joined Ethos in 2006. Officially she was appointed to relook the Ethos collection but in reality her mission was to transform Ethos into a highly competitive Paris fashion house, a brand recognized for its style and quality while remaining true to its commitments to sustainable fashion.
Social & Environmental Responsibility
Defining “sustainable fashion” has been the challenge of pioneer companies like Ethos. For us, it means socially responsible and environmentally friendly fashion, and it belongs to the larger “ethical fashion” movement that is gathering momentum around the world. According to public opinion polls, ethical fashion is not a short-term trend but a new market force that is here to stay. A growing number of fashion designers are joining the cause by adopting “ecological” materials and employing Fair Trade practices in clothing production.
Ethical fashion provides consumers with an easy and pleasurable way to contribute to sustainable development through responsible purchasing. Paris Ethos does not expect its customers to purchase clothes simply out of conscience. Rather, we offer people stylish quality clothing that is made with Fair Trade practices.
Ann Leroux is running the mother company in Paris, France (www.ethosparis.com)
Leslie Leroux is running the daughter company in North America (contact)
Leslie is also the founder and CEO of KANOE LLC, Kanoe Organic Motion Sensitive Baby Hammock (link)
