Abi Ferrin Partners with Sak Saum to Launch Exclusive Freedom Collection: Fashion with a Purpose

DALLAS, April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning Dallas-based designer Abi Ferrin today announced the debut of The Freedom Project Collection with an exclusive collaboration of life-affirming apparel, clutches, bags and other accessories hand crafted by Sak Saum, a Cambodian brand focused on outreach offering rescue, rehabilitation and restoration to vulnerable and exploited people who have been victims of human trafficking.

The Freedom Collection embodies Ferrin's mission of Fashion + Freedom + Purpose with the talent, skill and mission of Sak Saum, marrying signature versatile style and quality craftsmanship with responsible, ethical commerce. Sak Saum for Abi Ferrin provides gainful employment opportunities that deliver real and lasting change for people who otherwise may have no other way out of the vicious cycle of exploitation.

"As consumers, we need to be aware that how we spend our money matters, and that you don't have to sacrifice your sense of moral responsibility for great fashion," said Rania Batrice, executive director of The Freedom Project. "The Freedom Collection is about knowing the source, making thoughtful purchases and enjoying the confidence that comes from looking and feeling fantastic—and comfortable in your own skin."

Ferrin and Batrice have recently returned from Cambodia where they met with Sak Saum International Director Ginny Hanson, founding member, Theavy, and the inspiring young women and men who are collaborating to bring these chic and versatile pieces to life.

"I want people to understand that our commitment to this mission goes beyond just being a 'pet' project or passing trend," Ferrin said. "Through this collection, we have a direct influence and are changing lives. We are seeing dignity and self-respect restored to men and women who have been rescued from the depths of hell through this collaboration and the powerful work Sak Saum is doing under the direction of Ginny Hanson"

Highlights of the 18-piece Freedom Collection include the:

• Sak Saum for Abi Ferrin 5-way T-shirt, based on the fluid, flattering and versatile design of Ferrin's signature 5-way Nikki dress. The free-flowing cotton shirt makes a statement with its "For Freedom" vertical design and is available in 10 vibrant colors.
• Sak Saum Legacy Journal in handwoven silk with a hand-carved coconut button closure. Each Journal comes with a Legacy Blessing Card that details the story of its creator and her rise above abuse, exploitation and despair through the love, empowerment and healing the Sak Saum ministry and each purchase provides.
• Sak Saum Silk Baby and Toddler Booties with adjustable Velcro strap. These precious infant shoes are the perfect touch to any outfit, adorned with a delightful flower in a range of colors.
• Sak Saum For Freedom Apron, a retro-style cotton favorite with an adjustable tie at the neck. Featuring a fun patterned body and hipster band with contrasting trim and four front and side pockets, the entire piece folds smartly into a matching tie gift bag in coordinating colors.
• Sak Saum for Abi Ferrin Sakong Clutch, featuring an elegant ornamental silver plate detail that's perfect for any occasion. This piece is named after a 21-year-old victor who only recently entered the Sak Saum program. After being sold into slavery by her family and enduring the most inhumane treatment, Sakong is the living example of how love and encouragement can heal all things.
• Sak Saum Women's Wallet with plenty of storage for the essentials, it's the perfect accent to any bag. A silk version of the popular Anna wallet, the Freedom version features a trendy floral silkscreen design on silk/cotton blend with snap enclosure, interior zippered change pocket, four dividers for cash/checks and four credit card slots.
• Sak Saum Men's Wallet, available in a variety of textures and colors, with dividers for cash/checks and credit card slots to keep him organized.

Abi Ferrin Designs and the Freedom Project have long supported Sak Saum's mission by purchasing handmade buttons to adorn each of Ferrin's pieces. That partnership expanded into a series of clutches late last year. The new Freedom Collection represents the first complete collaboration between the designer and Sak Saum since Ferrin's most recent trip to visit Cambodia and the Sak Saum team for girls in Cambodia last October.

"I was so moved by how much of a difference our small contribution was already making, that I immediately wanted to do more," Ferrin said. "It became clear that, as these young women became healthier, more independent and felt a renewed sense of dignity, their work was becoming much more sophisticated and impressive. You can actually see their personal progress like a timeline through the products they're producing."

Several pieces in the Freedom Collection have already become celebrity favorites, with stars like Vanessa Williams, the cast of Desperate Housewives, Holly Robinson-Peete, Rocsi, Melanie Fiona and many more who were introduced to the styles and the mission through gift suites at both the Oscars and the Grammy Awards.

To learn more about the Freedom Collection and shop now, visit www.abiferrin.com/freedomproject.

About Abi Ferrin
Abi Ferrin is an award-winning fashion designer whose mission and purpose is to empower women to look and feel their best. Her collection ignites awareness of global issues through fashion with freedom and purpose, with each Made in the U.S.A. garment featuring a hand-crafted adornment made by women rescued from the sex trade and other forms of abusive employment in Nepal and Cambodia. The Freedom Project, the philanthropic arm of Ferrin's design company, works with organizations that rescue, restore and reintegrate impoverished women and provide alternatives to abusive employment. Ferrin's work is available through Nordstrom and at boutique shops nationwide. For more information, visit www.abiferrin.com.

SOURCE Abi Ferrin