Fashion around the world

By Christina Chibani

With Windsor being one of the most diverse multicultural cities in Canada, Casa Chavela is meeting the needs of those who are looking for fashion styles from their own cultures.

Casa Chavela, an international clothing store, means “Liz Place” in Spanish and is the oldest standing store in Windsor selling international fair trade clothing from more than 40 countries around the world.

It has been open since July 1985 and recently celebrated 32 years in business.

“We are very careful where we buy our clothes from, even from India and Nepal,” said store owner Liz Munsterhjelm. “They’re all fair traders, we don’t buy from any factories.”

According to the World Fair Trade Organization, fair trade is “a trading partnership based on dialogue, transparency and respect that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South.”

Munsterhjelm said when she first opened, most of her clothing came from Latin America and Spain. She now carries clothing from other countries including Afghanistan, Argentina and Peru.

Casa Chavela has found success comes from the downtown multicultural scene and tourists.

“I will have an 18-year-old girl come in and she will buy a funky pair of genie pants or a guy that will come in and buy a Mexican jacket,” said Munsterhjelm.

With a cozy and upbeat atmosphere, Casa Chavela offers fashion styles for all ages, ethnicities and
genders.

“I like to dress funky and different, so shopping at Casa Chavela helps me find unique clothing
from countries I would love to travel to,” said Jocelyn Schwalm, 23, a regular customer.

“I have friends from all different cultures, so shopping here helps me find something for each of
them,” said Schwalm. “I love that it is fair trade clothing…that makes me feel better when I shop.”

Casa Chavela is open Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is located at 405 Pelissier St.