Meghan Markle wears Outland jeans during Dubbo visit

Meghan Markle stepped out in Dubbo looking stylish in a pair of $199 black jeans by Australian label Outland Denim.

Not only is her choice of designer a touching nod to the country, but there is an adorable story behind the label.

The company began when founder, James Bartle had an encounter with an anti-trafficking group. He was so moved that he travelled to Asia and saw first-hand how human traffickers prey on young girls.

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After learning that how important a career path was for a young girl who had been rescued and rehabilitated, James created the Denim Project.

It enabled young girls who demonstrated an interest in sewing to put their skills to good use and securing them a good future.

“The more I read about these jeans the more I’m in awe of Meghan’s incredible choice to wear a brand that is so ethically sourced and is helping save real lives,” fashion expert Donny Galella told New Idea.

“This has taken Meghan’s choice to a whole new level.”

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Today we recognise the International Day of the Girl Child and in particular the theme "With Her: A Skilled GirlForce", which draws attention to the importance of education and skills for future employment. . . . Outland continues to work alongside NGO partners and agencies globally to create training opportunities and chart new employment pathways out of poverty and into prosperity for young women who have experienced exploitation and slavery. . . Our business model has grown to encompass and equip young women in positions of varying vulnerability, including those in dangerous and exploitative situations within garment factories, those with disabilities hindering their opportunity to earn an income, and those who have been trafficked for labour into other countries. . . The 2018 Global Slavery Index published by the Walk Free Foundation found that the fashion supply chain funnels more money toward modern slavery than any other industry besides tech. . . The report says that $127.7 billion worth of garments at risk of including modern slavery in their supply chain are imported annually by G20 countries, a group of nations which account for 80 percent of world trade. . . So the onus is on business, brands, governments and citizens to do their part to eliminate slavery and exploitation, particularly of women and girls. The $1.7 trillion dollar fashion industry, while not the only industry implicated, is a highly influential starting point. . . With the right opportunities, tools and living wages, Outland has proved that young women can rise above their circumstances while garment manufacturing can be done in an ethical, dignified way that supports women's futures. #madedifferent #zeroexploitation #internationaldayofthegirlchild

Today the company has created a training and production facility in Cambodia where they oversee the care of their staff through wage and personal development initiatives.

The unique story behind the label shows the thoughtfulness Meghan uses when selecting brands to wear.

“There are so many brands she could have chosen,” added Donny. “This one really has a whole lot of heart behind it.”

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