A fusion of liberation + style. A collection of bags & accessories that embodies the struggle to end child slavery in Haiti.  Life is filled with hope and hardships, adversity and advantages, wonders and worries. We as human beings always persevere and push onward. Being resilient individuals we find ways to strap up and get around these obstacles. We "Embark" on the journeys and "Go" get what we pursue. Our line of travel accessories is a personification of these ideals. Our wares are essentials that enable you to get up and go at a moment's notice, while carrying your weight (challenges) towards the next level (blessings).   Libre, MBARQGO’s newest collection, will help bring awareness to one of the greatesthumanitarian crises of our generation, Restavek.    “Restavek” is the word for modern-day child slavery that exists in Haiti. Meaning “to stay with,” Restavek is the system by which children in Haiti are taken from their families and sent to fulfill the labors of an adopted family who does not consider the boy or girl as their own and treats them accordingly. Their position in the household is simply to serve and they are often the recipients of harsh punishment, abuse, and scorn. Restavek meets the global definition of modern day slavery and child trafficking. Human trafficking is a worldwide problem and often times hidden. A victorious battle anywhere brings us a step closer to winning the war for human rights everywhere. As Sun Tzu says in the Art of War, "Never venture, never win" and the time to venture is—NOW. SO WHAT DOES FASHION HAVE TO DO WITH SOCIAL CAUSES, LIKE THE RESTAVEK CRISIS? The dynamic changes in technology and communication mediums have made people more aware of the world around them. More thoughts are given to what we wear and why we wear what we wear. Clothing and accessories can often hold meaning due to why it’s made, how it’s made, and who makes them. Overcoming hardships and obstacles is something that fascinates us at MBARQGO. In 2012, we embarked on a partnership with Restavek Freedom Foundation and began the process of furthering this social cause by fusing it with our brand. In the process we have met many former children living in Restavek and continue to be inspired by their stories.  We put together an original collection that intersectes betweenliberation+style and struggle+storytelling. It is the MBARQGO embodiment of the fight for freedom. "The difference between mediocre and memorable is the details. And the reason why they are there gives the meaning." DETAILS FORMER CHILDREN TRAPPED IN THE RESTAVEK SYSTEM ILLUSTRATE FREEDOM ON THE FABRICWe commissioned the children from Restavek Freedom Foundation to do illustrations of what freedom meant to them. The MBARQGO tradition is to create pieces that embody the theme of the offering and use them to illustrate the linings (soul) of the bags and other accessories. In regards to the harsh lives and traumas that the children have gone through, we weren’t sure what would materialize, but we were blown away by what we received. Below are some of the paintings along with the explanations. These masterpieces have been sublimated into the lining of the bags and scarves.     HAITIAN METAL ARTWORK TAGDue to limited resources, Haiti is known for a unique kind of metal artisan work derived from used oil drums. The process is quite amazing. First they burn off the left over sludge, then pound the drums into flat sheets, then hand cut and etch out their designs, and lastly hand stain and finish their masterpieces. We partered with the local artisans to replicate this process with the small Libre placards that are attached to each bag. We strongly feel these details capture the blood, sweat, and tears of the undertaking.  Libre means "free" in both French and Spanish hence the reason why we chose it as the name for this collection.  *EARLY BIRDS SPECIALS* Early Bird Price $120 — Estimated Retail Price $229 Early Bird Price $140 — Estimated Retail Price $269 Early Bird Price $230 — Estimated Retail Price $436 Early Bird Price $250 — Estimated Retail Price $476 Early Bird Price $420 — Estimated Retail Price $755 LE JOURNAL-FREEDOM SCARF Kickstarter Price $50 — Estimated Retail Value $79NAME IN THE NEWS Visualization leads to manifestation. Customize the Le Journal Freedom Scarf by adding a personal dream or goal to the story. Only available on Kickstarter $180LE TRIOMPHE-OVERSIZE TOTE Kickstarter Price $175 — Estimated Retail Price $269LE LEGIONNAIRE-CONTEMPORARY BANDOLIER Kickstarter Price $150 — Estimated Retail Price $229 Wear it many different waysTHE unBOUND Kickstarter Price $40 — Estimated Retail Price $69ITSAWRAP Kickstarter Price $30 — Estimated Retail Price $59LIBRE PROPAGANDA STENCIL Don't say it SPRAY it! Only available on Kickstarter $35THE POSTCARDS Only Available on Kickstarter $15BUNDLES Kickstarter price $230 — Estimated Retail Price $436 Kickstarter Price $288 — Estimated Retail Price $476 Kickstarter price $480 — Estimated Retail Price $755 *STRETCH GOALS*______________________________________________________________________ If we reach $18,000 we will be able to release two more colorways to the Le Journal freedom scarf. Newspaper sepia and Loden green.  Kickstarter Price $50 — Estimated Retail Price $79______________________________________________________________________ At 25,000 we will be able to release our DeeDay Field Satchel which feature art work from Rose who was a victim of the earthquake in 2010. And as a special thank you for making this happen we will offer this great piece at the same Kickstarter price as Le Triomphe Oversize Tote.  Patterned after a vintage WWII ammunition pouch with thoughtful upgrades for today's modern carry. Mahogany & Ash colorway, repurposed oil drum metal Libre placard. Dimensions: 29 x 20 x 9.5cm. Kickstarter price $175 — Estimated Retail Price $299 "It ain't no fun if everybody can't have none" 1. You are provided with goods from this one-of-a-kind collection at 30-50% off the retail price that will be on our website and in stores. These pieces are sure to turn heads and start conversations. By simply wearing the collection you become a fighter for freedom. 2. The heroes in all of this, the children, gets the experience of being recognized for something that will be celebrated and talked about around the world for its beauty, uniqueness, inspiration, and soul. 3. Restavek Freedom Foundation receives a portion of the proceeds from each sale which goes towards education, housing, food, medical, and mentoring for the children, as well as the ability to rescue more children from human trafficking. 4. The metal artisans receive some much needed business and great world wide exposurefor their craft.  You might ask: "But can this even make a dent in human trafficking worldwide?" We had similar questions in the beginning, but while working on this project we did some research regarding Haitian history. We came across the fact that Haiti liberated itself from the colonial powers in 1803. The only nation in the Americas to precede them in this was the U.S. Once freed, Haiti trained other nations to do the same and liberate themselves from oppression. We believe that if Restavek is ended in Haiti, that example can echo around the world and bring similar outcomes elsewhere.  Conversations lead to actions, actions lead to change. When you wear and use this collection you create conversations which will ultimately result in the betterment of all of us. To get the production off the ground we need your help. To wear/share the story we need your help. Let's make history together! We are free...nous sommes Libre.  Thank you for your support! Special thanks to:PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
MUSIC
GRAPHIC DESIGN
PR
          Risks and challengesWe travelled to Cincinnati, Ohio the stateside headquarters of Restavek Freedom Foundation August of 2013. We then travelled to Haiti July of 2014. During these trips we were able to see first hand the good work they were doing which reconfirmed the decision we had made to join them in the fight. To avoid production delays we have spent time building relationships with our suppliers, hammered out prototypes, and have made production timeline based on our experience that will keep us on track. If there are any delays in our schedule you will be the first to know. |   (worldwide)      (worldwide) (worldwide) (worldwide) (worldwide) (worldwide) (worldwide) |
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