What is TGIFW (Thank God It’s Fair Wear)?
TGIFW is a Swiss Fair Fashion & Living label that beautifully blends traditional craftsmanship with modern Swiss design. It’s all about celebrating unique products that are fairly produced, with a strong focus on authenticity and ethical values. The label is driven by three young Swiss designers whose creativity and dedication inspire the brand every day. TGIFW supports young creatives in Switzerland, giving them a platform to bring their ideas to life. The heart of the brand lies in joyful production, working closely with small manufacturers in Nepal where people truly come first. Partnerships with producers are built on respect and equality, with the producers themselves playing a key role in decision-making and sharing their expertise.
The Main Benefit: Fair Production and Social Impact
TGIFW’s commitment goes beyond fashion. Here are some key facts that highlight the brand’s impact:
- All products are made in Nepal, providing good jobs and fair wages.
- Hand-woven scarves are crafted by a Nepalese women’s organization supporting victims of violence and abuse.
- Natural materials like organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, wool, linen, and cashmere are used, with eco-friendly dyeing processes.
- Rug production employs 90 people, mostly women, who live in free accommodations with access to daycare and schooling for their children.
- Partnerships with producers are maintained on equal footing, with regular visits to Nepal.
Hand-Woven Scarves: More Than Just Accessories
The hand-woven scarves from TGIFW are not only beautiful but also carry a powerful story. Made from linen, wool, or cashmere, every scarf is handmade by a Nepalese women’s organization. The entire process—spinning, dyeing, weaving, printing—is done traditionally by hand. This social organization is dedicated to empowering women who have faced violence or abuse. These women now earn fair wages, enjoy varied work, healthcare, training, childcare, and flexible hours. They work in a supportive, family-like community, gaining independence and financial security. Their earnings help send their children to school, opening doors to a brighter future for the next generation.
Clothing Crafted from Natural Materials
TGIFW’s clothing line is all about natural, sustainable materials sourced and processed in Nepal. Fabrics include organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, wool, linen, and cashmere. The dyeing process is as ecological as possible, avoiding harmful substances like azo dyes. Hemp, for example, is still wild-collected in Nepal before being turned into fibers. Clothes are produced by three small producers in the Kathmandu Valley, all committed to fair production and putting people first. The brand’s team regularly visits these producers, ensuring partnerships are based on mutual respect and equality.
Hand-Knotted Rugs: A Tradition with a Modern Touch
Rug making at TGIFW is a true art form, deeply rooted in tradition. The rugs are hand-knotted in Nepal, with close involvement from co-founder Tashi Lama’s uncle. This connection means the brand knows exactly how the work is done on-site. Since 2019, the rug production has been certified through a partnership with STEP Fair Trade. Nepal is a major rug manufacturer, and TGIFW’s production employs 90 people, mostly women, who live on-site in free accommodations. The factory also provides daycare, and schooling for the workers’ children is funded through rug sales. It’s a beautiful blend of tradition, community, and fair work.
Swiss Design Meets Fair Wear
Most of TGIFW’s rugs are designed in-house, but the label also loves collaborating with other Swiss designers. These partnerships spark unique stories and fresh ideas, celebrating the creativity and innovation of Swiss design. Supporting young creatives in Switzerland is a core part of TGIFW’s mission, helping to keep Swiss design vibrant and relevant while staying true to fair and ethical production values.
Project Impact: Linking to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 1: No Poverty – Providing fair wages and good jobs in Nepal.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Ensuring healthcare and safe working conditions.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Supporting schooling for workers’ children.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – Empowering women through employment and training.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Promoting fair production and sustainable livelihoods.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Using natural materials and eco-friendly processes.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Building equal partnerships with producers and designers.
The Founders Behind TGIFW
The label is led by the couple Carmen and Tashi Lama. Tashi, originally from Nepal, has been living in Switzerland since 2016. He manages producer relations, production, quality control, and finances, and also advises customers on custom rug sizes. With extensive experience in the rug industry and further education in finance and management, he’s the backbone of the production side. Carmen handles designers, marketing, retailers, e-commerce, and customer relations. With a background in communications and transformation management, she has been traveling to Nepal regularly since 2006, bringing a deep understanding of both cultures and a passion for fair fashion.
