Conscious Fashion: TOMS Shoes

TOMS is a shoe company started in 2006 whose mission is to give.  Their slogan, “One for One”, stands for giving one pair of shoes to a child in need every time one pair is sold.  According to TOMS’ first annual Giving Report, they currently give shoes in 23 different countries and as of September 2010, they had given 1,000,000 pairs of shoes to children in need.

Shoes are taken for granted by most of us, but there are children all over the world who can’t afford shoes and therefore go barefoot.  Being barefoot can cause injury and infection; it can be responsible for soil-dwelling diseases; and it can prevent children in some countries from going to school, since shoes are often required as part of the uniform.

This simple, well thought-out and exceedingly generous business plan embodies the spirit that gave rise to this column, Conscious Fashion.  These shoes have become very popular, and yet the business plan of this company has not changed.  The mission remains in tact.  For this reason, I fully believe TOMS will be around for many years to come.  People will always be drawn to spirit and passion.  And Blake Mycoskie, cheif shoe giver, has both.

Me: So have you picked shoes to go with your wedding dress yet?

Kelly: I’m still looking, but you can bet I’m getting something comfortable.  Plus, Sean is not a tall guy, so heels are out of the question.

Me: I could totally see you in flip flops on your wedding day.

Kelly: How about this?  Even better: TOMS.

Me: LOVE.  It.

(Check out TOMS’ wedding collection.)