Abi Ferrin & The Freedom Project

Up-and-coming designer Abi Ferrin built her fashion label around a good cause, instead of adding it on later like many designers. The Freedom Project works to eradicate poverty by rescuing and rehabilitating women from the sex trade. By building her business around The Freedom Project, Abi commissions toggles, buttons, and other pieces from disenfranchised women, providing them with job training and restored dignity and self-worth.

Abi Ferrin’s designs are a symbol of the wearer’s commitment to the global community and helping those less fortunate. The Freedom Project is Ferrin’s charitable foundation that aims to eradicate poverty and rescue women out of human trafficking by providing alternatives to abusive employment. The idea was born through the vision of Abi’s sister, Kelly, who has dedicated her life to humanitarian efforts worldwide, focusing primarily on impoverished and at-risk women and children. Inspired by her sister’s work, Abi began commissioning disenfranchised women from around the world to contribute to every piece sold from the Abi Ferrin collection.

Abi Ferrin’s design collaboration began with the Guardian Village, a non-profit organization in an impoverished region of Nepal and has since expanded to working with Sak Saum in Cambodia. Both organizations counsel, train, and shelter women rescued from the sex trade and other abusive employment situations.

Through rehabilitation, fair pay, and training in their craft, a safe environment is created where they can live and build a sustainable life through their own efforts and accomplishments. Each Abi Ferrin design is enhanced with a special handcrafted button, toggle or other embellishment, hand-made by the women of the Freedom Project which serves as a symbol of freedom and empowerment.

“Not only will you look great, but you’ll feel great too, knowing that your purchase is helping to support women around the world through gainful employment that can help them escape oppression and poverty,” says Ferrin.