Anna Taylor, a graduate of the apparel studies program in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, launched the Judith & James fall/winter 2014 collection Sunday, Feb. 9, marking the 23-year-old’s second appearance at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. Taylor also introduced her nonprofit James127 Foundation during Judith & James’ Fashion show, where viewers were able to learn about the organization and could sponsor free sewing and jewelry training to empower women in Kenya.
Taylor, a Little Rock native, founded James127 Foundation after graduating from the University of Arkansas in response to the need for vocational training among impoverished Kenyan women. Foundation staff includes Hannah King, also a University of Arkansas graduate and vice president and chief operating officer. The foundation provides women with the opportunity to attend sewing and jewelry-making training programs. Fourteen women graduated from the sewing program in July 2013, and new participants will begin the program in March. Clothing company namesake and Kenyan seamstress, Judith, supervises trainees. Read More
