First Trunk Show in Detroit 2005

Kay and Friends in a Former Life

ZAP Jackets: Clothing for a Cause

Fashionable Choices for Thoughtful Consumers

The Inspiration

Exotic Threads began as a sideline project to Kay Richardssales and marketing career. An avid seamstress and textile collector, she happened across a Zimbabwe Arts Project (ZAP) show and purchased a piece of their artwork. The hot pink rhinos, polka-dot giraffes and purple elephants painted by the Weyan women were unlike anything she had seen from Africa.

ZAP is the non-profit creation of Portland, Oregon Lewis and Clark sociology professor Dick Adams, who, in 1997, brought back the art of rural Weyan women to sell in the United States. Richards loved the ZAP concept the equal exchange of goods and services that was leading women toward economic self sufficiency. Their motto is "Creating human relationships through art."

After a globetrotting career in television, including a stint with Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, a high powered gig with IBM Media and Entertainment and a dot com bomb, Richards was ready to do something that mattered. Her marketing instincts kicked in and she eventually figured out a way to get ZAP art out to the public via the back of women denim jackets. ith the denim jacket a staple of everyone wardrobe,she thought, hy not take it one step further and make it a truly special piece?o:p>

Look Good, Do Good

The vibrant designs of Weyan art appeal to the senses yet Richards hopes the social consciousness of her clothing line is as strong a sell. All of Exotic Threads pieces are fair-trade certified. In part, that means Richards guarantees a living wage for the artists -- ZAP pays its artists double the living wage. ot only will you be wearing a one-of-a-kind piece, but you can feel good knowing that the sale of one jacket will pay for artist Jesca or Tima or Veronica health care costs for one month,she adds.

Health care is just one of the dire needs of the predominantly female ZAP artists who work to survive the ravages of an AIDS epidemic and an economy in collapse. Through this unique trade arrangement, woman can afford health care; fertilizer and seeds to grow food; and books and education costs for their children.

From artist hand to the back of an Exotic Threads jacket is a long, and at times, harrowing path. The physical act of meeting with and securing the artistswork is a struggle to say the least. The people of Zimbabwe exist under the authoritarian rule of President Robert Mugabe who has presided over a failing economy with 70% unemployment; human rights abuses; and some of the worst HIV/AIDS infection and mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa.

Despite the obstacles, ZAP and Richards remain committed to the artists of Weya. Richards considers wearing an Exotic Threads jacket a global adventure of sorts. This is the type of adventure she hopes more will experience the chance to support artists who are moving toward sustainability and independence. And, you can look good while doing it!

Ms. Richards, whose successful career stints have included Producer for ifestyles of the Rich and Famous,nbsp;top Sales Executive for IBM Media and Entertainment group, and owner of her own television production company has never left her thread and needle far behind.