The Uniform Project – an Exercise in Sustainable Fashion and Much More…

What a cool idea for our times… The Uniform Project, started in May 2009 by Sheena Matheiken, is one where she pledges to wear ONE dress for one whole year as an exercise (and creative challenge!) in sustainable fashion. She styles the dress in a barely recognizable manner every day, reinventing it with an impressive trunk-ful of vintage and otherwise donated accessories and jewelry.

I know wait, every morning, with bated breath, to see what quirky concoction Sheena has devised. All are delightful and all based on the uniform dress designed by Eliza Starbuck.

The mastermind behind the uniform dress is my friend and designer, Eliza Starbuck. We took inspiration from one of my staple dresses, improving upon the shape and fit to add on some seasonal versatility. The dress is designed so it can be worn both ways, front and back, and also as an open tunic. It’s made from a durable, breathable cotton, good for New York summers and good for layering in cooler seasons.

But even better than the sustainable fashion challenge, is the philanthropic motivation behind the project, a year-long fundraiser for the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots movement that is revolutionizing education for children of the slums in India. You can donate here.  Even an itsy bitsy, single digit donation makes a difference, so go for it.

BTW, if you are a fashion or accessories designer and would like to donate to the Uniform Project, Sheena is all welcoming and will post a link to your site/blog if she uses your pieces. More details here.

Cool huh?