Ketchum natives and sister duo, Lili and Kira Tenney recently launched their socially, environmentally and culturally conscious project, LiKi FAIRE, in which the two work to bring their travels, professions, the world and chosen non-profits together. Their mission is to promote cultures they have visited around the world “with a business model that creates economic livelihood, environmental sustainability, and improved health in communities around the world.”
Last week they hosted their very first event, a fashion show at Ochi Gallery in downtown Ketchum to benefit environmental non-profit, Protect Our Winters (POW). Lili, who also runs Aspen Fashion Week, recruited local models/athletes to showcase ski, snowboard and winter gear from local retailers like lululemon, the Brass Ranch, the Board Bin, Bavarian Soul and more. The models included skier-cross racer Langely McNeal, Nordic skiers Alexa Turizan and Morgan Arritola, and big mountain skiers Lexi DuPont, McKenna Peterson and Drew Stoecklein. There was a suggestion $10 donation at the door to benefit POW.
Left: Lexi DuPont shows some energy on the runway. Center: Jon McCuskey models a Chilean Cuello. Right: Langely McNeal struts on the runway.
Also on hand were one-of-kind, hand-made Cuellos which sister, Kira, picked up during her travels in Pucon, Chile. These pieces were for sale to benefit the local Chilean community where they were made. She also organized a silent auction benefiting POW. In addition to the high-energy runway show, the event featured a viewing of Sherpas Cinema epic ski film, “All I Can”.
From the high-fashion poses of our local celebs, to the versatile Cuellos that flew off the shelves, and an inspirational showing of “All I Can”, it was a great way for the Tenney sisters to begin their Liki FAIRE venture.
The Tenney sisters (middle and right) strut their stuff after their successful show.
To learn more about LiKi FAIRE and what inspires these local do-gooders, check out our interview with them below.
SVM: What was the inspiration for LiKi Faire?
Kira: Our motivation is to connect the beautiful crafts of these people with the rest of the world, giving them an economic livelihood that motivates them not to sell their land and their lives to bigger companies without the full knowledge of what they are doing. If we support their resources and economy, we help empower them to grow and do what they want.
Lili: Beautiful people, beautiful places. The moment we first traveled and met with local artisans together we were inspired. After seeing how outside forces can threaten these places by developments that exploit labor and land, we wanted to find a way to support local economies and give back to their communities by donating to causes that help protect their environment, farmlands, health and traditions in a direct and sustainable way.
SVM: Where do you see Liki Faire going in the future?
Kira: We are trying to be smart and take LiKi FAIRE step by step. It's really easy to want to do everything at once, but we are making sure that every thing we do, we can do exceptionally well. We would like the demands for our Cuellos to expand our production from Pucon to the Nuble Valley in Chile and small villages throughout Patagonia. We also hope to emphasize the idea of community that is so often lost in our world- laughter, and working together to make things better and easier. And food- food is awesome, in Chile, there is a need for health education, as many Chileans suffer from health problems due to a diet high in meat, starch and oil. Being healthy is another means of having a better life and having the ability to make educated choices.
Lili: We look forward to working with artisans in different locations around the world by identifying the needs of where they live and engaging community partners that are interested in participating in our efforts. It works best when both parties are invested in making the difference.
SVM: Why did you choose Protect our Winters for this fashion show?
Lili: Everyone in Sun Valley can relate to the effect of climate change on our community and the importance of being socially conscious around efforts that decrease our impact on global warming play. We admire POW and their hard work to fight legislation and educate students on what we can all do to help keep our big powder winters coming.
SVM: How can we get involved?
Lili: Our model was adopted from the latest role that social entrepreneurship is playing in our generation. By learning from companies like FEED Projects and TOMS, LiKi FAIRE creates a way for people to get something cool out of their donation. For each product purchased, LiKi not only helps create sustainable economic livelihoods, but we also donate a specific and actual amount of money rather that a “percentage of the profits” and you get a fashionable handmade piece that is one-of -a kind. Get involved, spread the word and wear your LiKi item proud! We will also continue to hold LiKi FAIRE events to promote our designs and our causes along with continuing to benefit charities that are aligned with what we’re trying to do. You can count on annual SV fashion show for next year.
