The Coolest Jacket You’ll Wear All Summer - Caryn Franklin

Meet Indilisi Supporter, Caryn Franklin MBE: Commentator on Fashion and Agent of Change

At Indilisi, we believe fashion is never neutral. It either upholds the status quo or works to dismantle it. And few people have done more to challenge fashion’s harmful norms than Caryn Franklin.

An internationally renowned commentator on fashion, identity and representation, Caryn’s career spans over four decades and remains rooted in one guiding principle: fashion must serve us all, not just a privileged few. 

A longstanding advocate for fair trade, Caryn has deep knowledge of applied psychology and fashion’s impact on mental health, objectification and white-centricity, bringing a vital feminist lens to conversations about leadership and systemic bias.

We are delighted to be working with Caryn, here is what she said in her most recent Instagram post.

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"I’m modelling new slow-fashion label @indilisi_ (link in bio) founded by fairtrade activist of 30 years @safia_minney MBE. Craft, single fibre cotton and woven fabrics - Safia continues at the forefront of ethical clothing. Her label Indilisi is artisan empowerment, environmental responsibility, and financial sustainability.

Leadership here in the UK and overseas builds in abuse of, and underpayment of women as standard. Meanwhile top-heavy rewards go to mostly male leaders. Yet research shows that women are naturally skilled in empathic leadership, outscoring men in 11 out of 12 emotional intelligence categories.

Women have greater moral reservations about ethical compromises in business and as leaders, are motivated by collaboration and shared success, valuing non-monetary rewards like social justice. Men tend to be more motivated by money, acquisition of authority/leadership and ownership. Capitalism rewards masculine behaviour. As women, the heaviest consumers of fast fashion WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY to back ethical brands AND Black and minoritised brands. As white women benefiting from cheap clothes made by Brown women working long hours in unsafe factories WE BENEFIT FROM AN ENTIRELY RACIST SET UP.

@ajabarber (pictured) a supporter of Safia Minney’s has written most eloquently about this in her book CONSUMED.

The choice is ours. My relationship with fashion has changed so fundamentally in the last 15 years because I need to be part of the solution not the problem. What about you? NB Caryn’s shoes from her vintage @georginagoodman collection.

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The Artist Jacket – Worn with Purpose

Layered over a flowing summer dress and vintage Georgina Goodman shoes, the jacket became a conversation starter. About who makes our clothes. About who gets recognised. About who gets paid.

At Indilisi, we share Caryn’s vision of leadership grounded in care, craft, and bold conversations about race and justice. The Artist Jacket is our response: a wearable manifesto of solidarity and slow fashion.

Why We Love the Artist Jacket

£110 - Shop Natural  Shop Navy

• Made from single-fibre certified breathable organic cotton, it’s naturally lightweight and perfect for those in-between weather days.
• Each piece is hand crafted by rural artisans in Bangladesh using traditional looms and fair trade practices.
• With its soft structure and textured finish, it honours creative workers, dreamers and protesters whilst connecting us with the makers.
• Easy to pair, throw it over your favourite summer dress or wear it with boots and jeans.

The Coolest Thing You’ll Wear All Summer

From garden parties to gallery visits, the Artist Jacket is the layer you’ll throw on again and again. It elevates without shouting. It flatters without fuss. And it signals something deeper: a fashion choice grounded in fairness.

In a world of throwaway trends and synthetic fabrics, this jacket is the antidote.