Fair Trade bridal line expands to meet ethical consumer demand

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Feb 24, 2018

Bridal line Celia Grace is expanding in the hopes of driving market awareness for the growing consumer demand for Fair Trade and ethical bridal gowns. All dresses are Fair Trade certified and use eco-friendly processes.

The Celia Grace bridal collection includes laces, modern embroidery,and luxe brocade. Dresses, skirts and bridal separates are dyed with organic colors and utilize natural fibers for a traditional romantic look. The label also boasts Fair Trade certification which is a value proven meaningful to a new generation of socially and environmentally conscious modern brides.

Owner Lisa Kaehler said, "I think the company has tried to quietly say 'look at this amazing thing we're doing, isn't that lovely, you are beautiful if you choose to buy Celia Grace.' I want to be a little more direct."

Kaehler's direct approach includes donating uniforms to a Cambodian school, ensuring safe and empowering working conditions, and paying fair wages to workers. From an environmental standpoint, many of the dresses are handmade using heirloom eco-silks that use no electricity and minimal water or chemicals to make.

The company was founded in 2009 on values of environmental stewardship and human rights. It was recently bought by Kaehler who will be expanding the collection of bridal gowns using natural fibers and sustainably sourced fabrics.

Kaehler's goal as the new owner is to use the company to transform the bridal industry from an exploitative fast fashion model to one that raises awareness about ethical fashion.

Dresses in Celia Grace's collection are priced starting at $1,000. Accessories are priced just over $300. The line is currently sold at six retailers in the US and one in the UK. Customers can also order samples for at-home try-on if they live outside of the current shop locations.