Karen Walker x Kenya

Designer Karen Walker teamed up with UN's International Trade Centre Ethical Fashion Initiative for her new Summer 2014 collection, Karen Walker Visible. The initiative saw Kenyan artisans commissioned to make screen-printed and beaded sunglasses pouches for the collection. Some of those involved in the project - machinists, cutters, tailors, production managers, metal workers and members of the Maasai group who create the beading work also feature in the campaign, which was shot by photographer Derek Henderson (who also shot her previous campaigns).

The Ethical Fashion Initiative aims to promote fair and sustainable business rather than a reliance on aid in disadvantaged African and Haitian communities (their motto is "not charity, just work"), bringing together craftspeople and international brands to produce products. Vivienne Westwood and Sass & Bide have also worked with the Ethical Fashion Initiative.

Walker constantly surprises us with her campaigns, previous ones included eccentric mature-aged women and toddlers sporting sunnies and this new campaign, Karen Walker Visible, is no exception! I love it, it's outside the box, and fashion combined with a great cause.

The idea is genius. I hope to see more fashion brands jumping on the bandwagon just as Karen Walker, Vivienne Westwood and Sass & Bide all have done.

Behind-the-scenes courtesy of New Zealand Herald.