University of Queensland journalism graduate Sarah Duncan has found a cause for fashion, and is throwing a fundraiser to celebrate.
After travelling through South America and witnessing the vibrant fashion industry, especially in swimwear, she returned to Brisbane and began work on her online store Zafiro.com.au, selling lines from well-known South American designers.
The Zafiro launch party, to be held at the Limes Boutique Hotel on November 11, will showcase the stores new collections and include a silent auction to raise money for the non-profit organisations Room to Read and Project WOSE (Women Organisation for Sustainable Empowerment).
Ms Duncan has committed her business to not only introduce new fashion to Australia, but also supporting local and international non-profit organisations. Zafiro suppliers are specifically chosen for their commitment to community.
"We work with reputable designers and suppliers who not only create unique products but also give back to the communities in which they are working," Ms Duncan said.
"One of the design groups we work with in Colombia supports single mothers who are from low socio-economic areas through skills training and job opportunities."
Ms Duncan chose to support Room to Read, which builds schools and libraries in rural communities throughout the world, because without her education she would not have been able to create Zafiro.
"At UQ I learned about ethical responsibilities of the media, citizen journalism, communication for social change, and grassroots organisations that are using communication to make a difference," she said.
"This has influenced what Zafiro has become."
Also chosen to receive support from the event is Project WOSE, which provides skills training and counselling to Liberian women refugees in Ghana who have been displaced by civil war.
"It is through our store that we are able to get involved with and support non-profit organisations, campaign to create awareness about education and women's rights," Ms Duncan said.
Ms Duncan choose the name Zafiro, meaning sapphire in Spanish, as a tribute to her travels.
"Travelling through the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, where the ocean is a beautiful sapphire colour is where we were inspired to create the store," she said.
Ms Duncan also credits Zafiro's sponsors for making the event happen, including Monteville Organic Skincare, the African Drum and Dance Group, Black Dove Body Bar, local designer Un Cielo and So You Think You Can Dance Star Gianne Abbott who will perform at the event.
Auction items include products from Montville Organic Skincare, treatments from Black Dove, and pieces from local designer Un Cielo.
The public can RSVP to the free event, which begins at 7pm, at the Zafiro web site.
Ms Duncan encourages everyone interested in fashion to come to the event and participate in the celebration of organisations that give to the less fortunate.
While she may not be working as a journalist now, it was her education in journalism that inspired her to create a company that made a difference.
"It is important for us to know who our business is directly affecting and the impact it is having," Ms Duncan said.
"We feel very privileged to be in a position to create a company and we wish to provide the same opportunities to children who are less fortunate."
Media: Sarah Duncan (info@zafiro.com.au) or Allison Rock at UQ Communications (allison.rock@uqconnect.eud.au or 07 3365 2619)
