What is Sunshine & Bravado?

Sunshine & Bravado is a line of magical, ethical clothing for the adventurous & badass women of the world. It is a circle of style for wanderers, sun-chasers, tree-huggers, soul-seekers, magic-makers, bohemians, and the radical, passionate punk babe in all of us.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Hi, I'm Nikki! I am an indie fashion designer from New York, based in Columbus, Ohio. I started out as a self-taught seamstress and designer, from a working class family in New York, and went on to receive a scholarship to attend Parsons School of Design in Manhattan. I started out as a "traditional" fashion major, but quickly switched to the more flexible major of Integrated Design. I fit in better with the like-minded sustainable designers interested in changing the design world for the better. It was there that I learned about things such as natural dyeing, sustainable fabric technology, and even crowdfunding. I also spent a semester studying abroad at Central St. Martins in London (University of the Arts London), where I studied print-making, textiles, illustration, and the importance of collaborating at a global scale.

ABOUT THE COLLECTION, Sunshine & Bravado LOTUS

This collection, my first collection, is called LOTUS. The Lotus flower grows from the mud at the bottom of a pond, up through the water, and into the sunshine above. It is a symbol that no matter what hardships you have gone through, life can still be a beautiful adventure.

•  I am also working with female business owners who want to bring garment production back to the United States. Sunshine & Bravado clothing is made with love right here in the USA, in Louisville, Kentucky. I dye everything by hand using natural, plant based dyes.

• This campaign will enable me create a sustainable, earth-friendly, female-powered brand that creates jobs. The fashion industry is changing at a grassroots, indie level: we're tired of an industry that puts garment workers in danger, pollutes the earth, and has a negative impact on women's self-esteem. By using ethically sourced, organic & natural fibers and textiles, and plant-based dyes, my line is encouraging a shift towards a more sustainable fashion future. When you wear Sunshine & Bravado clothing, you will always be able to answer the question, #whomademyclothes?

What We Need & What You Get

Break it down for folks in more detail:

• This campaign is for $3,500 US dollars. It is a flexible funding campaign. The money will go towards all of the things that are vital in producing a fashion line, such as:

pattern making for studio production; organic fabrics and natural dyes; manufacturing the clothing in an ethical, American studio factory; screen printing; comfy, ethically made Alternative Apparel t-shirts; legal fees for registering a business; care labels, tags, and other legal things required for clothing production. Also, the initial cost of upgrading my website, www.sunshineandbravado.com, to support e-commerce (online sales)!

• I have some really awesome, unique perks, including hand-made postcards, screen printed t-shirts, and pre-sales of the entire line!

THE SUNSHINE & BRAVADO MANIFESTO

we consider black to be a happy color, and tie dye to be a neutral. our favorite holiday is Halloween. we carry crystals in our purses. we take any chance to travel. we get advice in this order: first you call your bff, then you ask the Tarot. we believe journaling is a way of life. we care about the earth. we believe that personal style is a high form of creative expression. we strive to make the world a better place. we support fair trade. we believe in the healing powers of art. and we create our own magic.

The Impact

• Indie fashion is taking over. It's time to add our voices to the movement to make the fashion world a better place.

• My collection is seasonless, which means that it is not fast fashion - the designs can be worn and layered during any time of the year.

• Supporting this campaign will make it real. Actual clothing, actual jobs, and an actual community of awesome, earth-saving women in the sunshine & bravado circle. I can make Sunshine & Bravado into my real-life job, my career, my full-time passion, and spend my time making things and giving back. Fuck the side-hustle! Dreams come true!

• Because giving is a circle, I am working to collaborate with non profits so that a percentage of every sale goes to help someone else. For this collection, I'm working with:
  
   

• The Love Yourself Project

an NYC based art therapy nonprofit centering on self love. [photos via their website]

• Survivor's Ink

a Columbus based non-profit which helps survivors of human trafficking reclaim their bodies, by covering up scars and brands with tattoos. [photo via the Guardian]

Other Ways You Can Help

If you are unable to contribute financially right now, I totally understand (though even one dollar helps!) Here are some other ways to help if you are feeling the vibes of my mission:

• Get the word out about the campaign. Share photos, share my video, share the link on social media! Tell all your friends! This will not be possible without you, and any tiny contribution or act of sharing counts.
• Use the Indiegogo Share Tools!

Get in Touch

sunshineandbravado@gmail.com

www.sunshineandbravado.com // @sunshineandbravado on Instagram

#sunshineandbravado #ethicalfashion #fashionrevolution