Design a Difference
As part of our mission to promote both socially responsible sourcing in the fashion industry and the use of design to build a better world, we are pleased to announce the launch of our Design a Difference Program. Through this program, a select number of rising U.S. designers partner with women artisans in rural Guatemala to develop exquisite collections for current and new sales partners.
These American designers learn how to partner, design and source with rural artisans and become ambassadors for the use of socially responsible sourcing within the fashion industry. At the same time, rural indigenous women artisans have the opportunity to build their own design abilities and develop exquisite collections for major U.S. retailers in partnership with some of the most talented designers in the fashion industry.
Our Design a Difference Program showcases the potential of global partnership between women designers, rural artisans and consumers to “build a better world” through design and sales collaboration. Mercado Global artisans, in partnership with the Build a Better World Designers, are pioneering the use of socially responsible sourcing and the promotion of “profits through principles” to break the cycle of rural poverty in the developing world while also bringing exquisite handcrafted pieces to consumers in the U.S.
To nominate a designer for our Design a Difference Program, or for more information, please contact us at 203-772-4292 or at info@mercadoglobal.org.
Build a Better World Designers
Kristy Caylor
Prior to launching an independent consulting business, Kristy served as head of merchandising for Gap Accessories and Product (RED), where she redeveloped the accessories lines, led the development and launch of Gap Jewelry, and redeveloped the business model for Product (RED).
Kristy’s collections with Mercado Global have been carried by major specialty retailers including Nordstrom, Bloomindale’s and Viva Terra.
Lindley Gray
Born in Texas, Lindley Gray moved to New York at the age of 18 to pursue a career in the arts, focusing on jewelry design while attending Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. She strongly believes the personal element involved in jewelry makes it different than any other accessory. While attending Pratt Institute she interned with companies such as Alexis Bittar and Philip Crangi. She currently designs jewelry for the J. Crew brand Madewell, works as a freelance stylist, and continues to produce her own line, Stendhal Jewelry. She is driven to infuse the fashion industry with products that are both exciting and lasting.
Annelie Berner
Annelie has been making jewelry since she was in high school when she began teaching herself how to work with wire, chain and semi-precious stones. Since then, she has continued to refine her techniques and has incorporated her love of jewelry, design and wire-working with her interest in social responsibility. She is especially interested in creating thoughtful gifts for others. She has spent time teaching Mercado artisans advanced wire-working techniques and continues to seek ways to support social entrepreneurship and women’s education.
Corporate Ambassadors Program
Our Corporate Ambassadors program provides designers and thought leaders at major U.S. retailers with the opportunity to learn how to promote the sourcing of Fair Trade and socially responsible products at their companies. For more information or to learn how you can join the program, please contact us at info@mercadoglobal.org or at 203-772-4292.
Design a Difference Partners
We have also partnered with a number of major brands to provide them with the opportunity to source Fair Trade and Eco-Friendly products from women artisans in Latin America. View some of our partners here.