How did I not know about this? As much time as I spend on “the internets” one would think I’d be all over this. It’s charitable, fashion forward, inventive and above all inspiring. This is Sheena Matheiken (and even though she doesn’t know me, I feel like I know her and definitely see a little of me in her). I’m not just posting this because she’s a cutie patootie or because her outfits are super cute. Sheena is the founder and creative director behind The Uniform Project. What is this you ask? Let me tell you, 1 dress, 365 days. Why? For the schooling of children living in impoverished neighborhoods in India.
In her word’s here is the cause:
“Starting May 2009, I have pledged to wear one dress for one year as an exercise in sustainable fashion. Here’s how it works: There are 7 identical dresses, one for each day of the week. Every day I will reinvent the dress with layers, accessories and all kinds of accouterments, the majority of which will be vintage, hand-made, or hand-me-down goodies. Think of it as wearing a daily uniform with enough creative license to make it look like I just crawled out of the Marquis de Sade’s boudoir.
The Uniform Project is also a year-long fundraiser for the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots movement that is revolutionizing education in India . At the end of the year, all contributions will go toward Akanksha’s School Project to fund uniforms and other educational expenses for children”
I’ve been going through her “dailies” and gosh is she inventive and super cute. She was raised in India and from one former uniformed scholar to the other - Congratulations! Going through her “dailies” I kept fascinating over her shoe collection. I myself own over 200 pairs of shoes and I kept wondering if she was a size 5- 5½ like me (sometimes I squeeze [no pun intended] into a 6). I think she looks like a 6.
Anywho, back to the really important stuff; THE CAUSE.
It takes $360 dollars a year for a child’s education in India; that’s less than a dollar a day. This is what the government spends and Akanksha will spend the exact amount:
“Akanksha has vowed to spend the same amount on every child in the slums – not a penny more, not a penny less – to afford them a better, more holistic education”
Earlier today I bought some Famous Amos Cookies from the vending machine for $0.70 to think that $0.28 more will make the difference in a child’s life is unbelievable but true. Please join Sheena in her edu-fashion struggle and donate if you can.
My Favorite Seven:
FYI- I’m in no way affiliated with Sheena or the Akanksha Foundation. I like you stumbled upon this while browsing the internet and have been inspired to pass this along. Thank you.
