Emma Watson, the Harry Potter actress, suggests a different way to support people in developing countries instead of just donating money to charities. She is using her fashion expertise to promote a stylish fair-trade clothing line, with the help of her modeling friends.

Emma Watson’s recent collaboration with the ethical clothing brand People Tree has garnered attention from the fashion world. Known for her impeccable style, the Harry Potter star has ventured into designing a collection for the brand. Despite her busy schedule studying at Brown University and filming movies, Emma has dedicated her time and creativity to this project.
People Tree, a brand with fashion credibility, has previously worked with renowned designers like Richard Nicoll and Thakoon. Emma’s involvement in the collection goes beyond just putting her name on it; she has been actively involved in the design process, impressing the People Tree team with her commitment and artistic input. This collaboration is not just a celebrity endorsement but a genuine partnership that aims to promote ethical fashion.
Emma’s dedication to the project and her passion for fashion with a conscience have brought a new level of trendiness to sustainable clothing. With her involvement, clothing with a message has never been more in vogue.

Strawberries and Cream Forever: Emma poses with her friends Chris, Sophie, and Tafari during a charming English country garden photoshoot for People Tree.

Emma and her friends proudly support fair trade practices by creating a clothing line targeted towards teenagers who value both style and ethics. Safia, one of the creators, emphasizes the importance of producing designs that compete with fast fashion while upholding quality and integrity. Emma, though not your typical teenager due to her exceptional work ethic, played a crucial role in ensuring the collection resonated with her peers. With her friends by her side, she dove headfirst into the design process, determined to get everything just right.

During our visit to the brochure shoot for Emma’s spring/summer collection for People Tree, we caught up with her to get an exclusive sneak peek behind the scenes. The carefree essence of summer was palpable in the air. Juggling acting, modeling, and now designing, could this be Emma Watson’s future career path? She quickly dispels any notions of becoming a full-time designer, citing her passion for fair trade and ethical fashion as the driving force behind her involvement. Emma stresses that this collection isn’t about her celebrity status but rather about championing a worthy cause through fashion.

The collaboration between Emma and People Tree came about organically, sparked by a chance encounter with a friend wearing one of the brand’s tees. Meeting Safia, the co-founder of the company, was a turning point as they instantly connected. Safia proposed the idea of a teen-focused range, recognizing a gap in their current offerings. Emma jumped at the opportunity to be part of something meaningful and impactful, demonstrating her genuine commitment to making a positive difference through fashion.

Emma and her buddy Chris

A group of young, trendy individuals can be found hanging out off-camera. People Tree, smart move – every teenager aspires to dress like you!
I have a strong passion for the fashion industry and have been immersed in it lately. Recognizing its vast influence, I believed that creating a fashion line to help alleviate poverty could be successful. Fashion has the potential to empower individuals, provide them with skills, and make a meaningful impact. Rather than simply giving money to charity, you can support people by purchasing the clothes they create and empowering them with a sense of pride. It’s as simple as that.

When it comes to the design inspiration for the collection, I delved into my summer wardrobe and asked myself, ‘If I only kept the essentials, what would they be?’ The answer: cotton vests, comfortable T-shirt dresses, stylish scarves for accessorizing, and some beautiful linen pieces. For the boys’ collection, I included hoodies that I believe they will love. The clothing exudes a British flair, which is why we chose to shoot them in an English country garden – it embodies a quintessential strawberries and cream, tennis vibe.

One of our favorites from the collection are the T-shirts featuring playful slogans like ‘I’m not toxic’ and ‘Please don’t panic, I’m organic.’ I wanted to avoid being too preachy or serious – the goal was to create pieces that are fun, easy to wear, and effortlessly cool. I also introduced a daisy print that I am particularly proud of – it’s lively and carefree. The aim was to design clothes that are not only trendy but also practical and accessible.

What’s your favorite piece from the collection?
I absolutely love all the clothes, especially the ones from Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. The jewelry is also amazing, particularly a necklace made from recycled sweet wrappers from Bangladesh. It even comes in a box made from the same material. How cool is that?

It must have been quite a learning experience for you, diving into the world of design for the first time.
Going through all the Pantone color books with Safia was so much fun, but I quickly realized that what looks good on paper doesn’t always translate well onto fabric. It was a learning process, but I had to be patient and make adjustments along the way. The whole experience was time-consuming but definitely worth it.

The response from the shoot indicates that these pieces will sell out before spring arrives!
I had a blast at the shoot, especially since all the models are my friends, like my housemate Sophie and my brother Alex. I called in some favors, and everyone, including the crew, did an amazing job. The photographer, Andrea Carter-Bowman, did a fantastic job capturing the essence of the collection. This truly is a collection by young people, for young people, and I couldn’t be prouder of how it turned out.

You’re known for your sense of style, but is fair-trade fashion a new concept for you?
I first stumbled upon fair trade during a geography project and was immediately drawn to the idea of fair wages and dignified working conditions for artisans. Fair-trade fashion may cost a bit more, but it’s worth it knowing that the creators are being paid fairly and treated with respect.

Is it possible to enjoy mainstream fashion while supporting fair trade?
It’s crucial to distinguish between fast fashion and fair-trade fashion. When you buy a cheap shirt for a couple of pounds, consider how much the person who made it is getting paid. Supporting fair-trade fashion is not only stylish but also a way to make a positive impact on the world.

How likely is it that the younger generation will embrace this concept over fast fashion?
We, as the younger generation, are more aware of environmental and humanitarian issues than ever before. We care about where our clothes come from and the impact our purchases have. I believe that initiatives like People Tree’s collection catered towards young people will be a success because we want to shop with a conscience. I hope more companies follow their lead.

You can find all the pieces featured in this collection at peopletree.co.uk. To receive a catalog, call 020 7739 9659.

Photographer Andrea Carter-Bowman skillfully captures a lighthearted moment.