If you buy a high street garment costing £100 it is likely that only £4 will be given to the people that make the fabric and sew the clothes, including their expenses. The Dorcas project ambitiously aims to prove these sad statistics do not need to be the norm. The pricing structure of the dress provides a fair business model for all in the supply chain. This uniquely designed dress is one size, yet fits size 6 - 26, and is also great if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The dress was developed specifically for this project.

As founder of the project, I have 25 years of experience in the fashion industry (on the factory floor, in the design studio and as a fashion lecturer), my heart cries at the destruction it has created. I have developed this dress to protect craftsmanship and lift people out of poverty and hardship. The clever cut, pleats and carefully situated ties on the dress eliminate the need for zips, other trimmings and expensive complex machinery. The project can therefore support makers from situations of hardship who have basic sewing skills. The project provides them with the right training, resources and a growing network of customers. The pricing structure of the dress reflects growing levels of skill and craftsmanship. The project will also source materials and resources responsibly.

Phase one successfully proved the commercial viability of the project.
This is phase two: by giving you will be helping to raise funds to:

~ invest in people from situations of hardship by proividing them with
- training
- materials
- tools
- equipment

~ produce a online interface to promote the project and increase sales of stock through Sellers, which in turn generates a return back into the project.

~ generate stock which in turn will be invested back into the project.

Contributors who give more than £250 can ask to be a SPONSOR.
(If you'd like more details about this, do email)

www.mariaskoyles.co.uk