Pronounced "Ko - Toe", this New Zealand based brand reminds me of my Chinese heritage while making me look like I just walked right off a fashion show runway!

Kowtow is a Chinese word that represents the custom of deep respect, shown by kneeling and bowing so low that your forehead touches the ground. This reverent respect for others reminds us that Kowtow is promoting consumer habits to change the systematic exploitation of human beings.

They do not compromise on their values, and this is how they do it:

1. Only uses 100% fair trade certified cotton, as certified by the Fairtrade Labeling Organization.
2. Their cotton is also 100% organic, as certified by SKAL International.
3. All dyes are free of hazardous elements such as nickel, lead, formaldehyde, amines, pesticides and heavy metals, approved by the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS).
4. Their factory in Kolkata, India has fair and equal employee benefits, such as free schooling for their children, insurance, paid sick/holiday leave, commuter coverage, unions, social security, and pension funds.
5. They sponsor projects such as Girls Education, Cow Shed and Cow Donation programs in the farmers villages in Kolkata.

These are but a few reasons Kowtow would be a staple in your wardrobe. From the materials used, manufacturing, and selling, Kowtow is an international powerhouse. Watch the how and why in their short documentary, Seed to Garment. Check out their newest collection via a photo essay, Afternoon Story. See their inspiration on their blog, Kowtow Says…. Follow/like them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Most importantly, start shopping with a brand that wants to eradicate modern day slavery during our lifetime. Now, that is a sign of deep respect.

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Every effort is made to verify the accuracy of these external resources; however, Diana Mao and Nomi Network cannot guarantee or control the content, usefulness, or appropriateness of these sites or that their products are 100% slave free.