From culturally creative denim ads to contemporary for-benefit e-commerce companies, this top list of visually seductive social businesses ranges from more design-focused campaigns to sunglass campaigns and the occasional one-off viral tactic. For the last example, for instance, is the Unstash manifesto where the Toronto-based social enterprise created an infographic to connect their customers and potential future clients through bold visuals containing a message. And it was a popular piece on SocialBusiness.org for that reason.
These visually seductive social businesses use the power of the eye to create something different, that is, get their purpose-driven message across by any means possible. The Edun Spring/Summer campaign features popular models in an aesthetic that is quite different from most in the social entrepreneurship realm.
22 Visually Seductive Social Businesses
22
Bullet Jewelry
Bullets2Bandages Accessories are Designed to Support Healing and Peace
21
Butterfly-Clad Campaigns
The Edun S/S 2012 Advertorial is Artful and Intriguing
20
Recycled Skateboard Sunglasses (UPDATE)
The New Proof Sunglasses are the Perfect Summer Sunnies
19
Reforestation Fashion
Rain Tees Have Illustrations from Kids in Endangered Rainforests
18
One-for-One Boating Tees
The United by Blue Winter Collection Evokes a Public-Spirited Mindset
17
Collaborative Consumption Infographics
The Unstash Manifesto Mixes Altruism with Action
16
Socially Conscious Packaging
Level Ground Trading Re-Sealable Bags Take You Back to the Fields
15
Sense-Enhancing Exhibits
Dialogue Social Enterprise Employs the Disabled to Lead Presentations
14
Do-Good Sunglasses
The SHAUNS SHADES ‘Buy One Give Sight' Mission is Inspiring
13
Contemporary For-Benefit E-Commerce
We See Beauty Tries to Sell Coop-Made Products with Visuals
12
Forest-Saving Sunglasses
Modo Eyewear Plants A Tree For Every Pair Sold
11
Water Visualizing Monitors
The MyWater Display Charts Out Your Live Water Stats
10
Social Business Logistics
London-Based 'Connection Crew' Hires Ex-Homeless People
9
Impact Measurement for Creatives
Design:Effect Offers Social Good Metrics for Crafty Entrepreneurs
8
Paint Maestro Videos
The Moral Fibers Artist Profile on Gurrier Puchon Creates Connections
7
Culturally Creative Denim Ads
The Diesel + Edun Campaign Celebrates African Performance Art
6
Empowering Recycled Bowls
This Crockery from Bundu Designs is African-Inspired
5
Magnanimous Mailing Services
Mumbai's Mirakle Couriers Gives the Disadvantaged Much-Needed Work
4
Indonesian Sourcing Trips
The Ethnotek 'Batik Hunting' Video Showcases the Brand's Ethos
3
Fair Trade Cocoa
Divine Chocolate is a Social Business Partly Owned by Its Farmers
2
Ethically Focused Digital Companies
Datse Multimedia Productions Works with NGOs & Social Business
1
Waste-Reverting Social Enterprises
Wombling CIC Recycles Goods Headed for the Landfill
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Zulugrass Jewelry
The Leakey Collection Employs Women in the The Rift Valley, Kenya
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The Edun Spring 2013 Campaign Stars a Beautiful Elephant
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Sustainable Gift Catalogs
UncommonGoods is a Website Offering Quirky Accessories
62 Fashion-Focused Social Businesses
From Kenyan Running Apparel to Explosive Ethical Jewelry
Explosive Ethical Jewelry
'peaceBOMB' Bracelets Embrace War-Inflicted Cities
Tropical Cuban Hipster Eyewear
SUPER Flat Top Havana Sunglasses Brings the Vacation Home
Granny-Modeled Sunglasses
The Karen Walker Eyewear Summer 2013 Lookbook is Fit for All Ages
Cause-Conscious Clothing
United by Blue Removes One Pound of Trash from Oceans for Every Item Sold
Alchemist Spice Branding
Sheffield & Sons Packaging Evokes an Ingredient Purity
10 Art-Related Social Enterprises
From African Artist Assist Sites to Human-Oriented Handicrafts
Dark Beer Branding
The Tomat Design ‘JC' Lager is Inspired by the Sea and Strong Flavo
Conscious Couture Collections
The Vivienne Westwood Ethical Fashion Africa Line is Revolutionary
Haitian Artist Wearables
Moral Fibers is a Socially Innovative Start-Up Building Human Capital
Sustainable Change Beads
The Vibrant Andean Collection Supports Artisans in Ecuador
Marvelous Melting Branding
Nonna Lina Ice Cream Packaging Combines Classic and Contemporary Design
Upcycled Fair Trade Fashion
Liz Alig Links Consumers & Producers to Support Ethical Practices
Eccentric Bedazzled Sunglasses
The SPANGLED S/S 2013 Collection Preview is Jazzy
Fully Framed Femmes
The Muse 'One from the Heart' Spread Features Some Serious Shades
Empowerment Jewelry
SWAK X Educates and Employs Young Adults with HIV/AIDS
Aggressively Accessorized Editorials
The Harper's Bazaar Korea Poppy Love Photoshoot is Adorned
Fashionable Fair Trade Apparel (UPDATE)
Indego Africa Gives Artisans a Protected Place to Create
Worker-Focused Shoe Companies
'soleRebels' was Founded to Create Jobs in Ethiopian Communities
Kenyan Running Apparel
Kourage Athletics Supports Livelihoods Through Job Creation
Mirror-Specific Sunglasses
The Spektre Summer 2012 Eyewear Collection is Highly Reflective
Equality-Encouraging Tees
Who You Love is a Responsible Brand Supporting LGBT Charities
Color-Enhancing Sunglasses
EnChroma Sunglasses are the First Lenses That Don't Block Color
Charming Confectionery Branding
The 'Dude, Sweet' Chocolate by Tractorbeam is Creatively Simple
Hip-Hop Social Enterprises
The Global Block Foundation Promotes Personal Sustainability
Creative Agencies for Good
Advertising for Humanity Offers Marketing for Nonprofits
Compulsively Piled Crockery
Completing Absence Tableware Encourages Orderly Eating
Crafty Marketplace Charts
The ‘Etsy MBA’ Infographic is a Smart Move
Culturally Relevant Luggage
Ethnotek Creates Bags Using Direct Fabric Trade
One-for-One Tees
Out of Print Marries Lost Literary Covers with Book Donations
Geometrically Shaped Shades
The Rikky Sunglasses Blends Nightlife and Fashion
Alternative Education Enterprises
KO2 is a Community Interest Company with a Love for Dirtbiking
14 For-Purpose Media Companies
From Social Good-Focused PR to Ad Agencies That Share Revenues
Aquatic-Inspired Shades
The Oakley 'Frogskin Aquatique' Collection is Rad
Curated Cause Marketplaces
Given Goods Company Offers Brands with a Purpose
Futuristic Gamer Shades
GUNNAR MW3 Gaming Eyewear Enhances Vision and Eliminates Strain
Female-Owned Design Studios
'Creative Women' Supports Economic Independence in the Majority World
Car Part Crockery
CADCAM Tableware Provokes Thought About Industrial Production
Responsible Bedroom Slippers
The Chilote House Shoe is Eco and Ethically Principled
Chilling Conservation Campaigns
The WWF's 'Horrifying' Campaign is To-the-Point
Hip Handwoven Attire
Bhalo Employs Rural Bangladeshi Women to Produce Fair Trade Fashion
Trade-Enabling Fashion
'Edun' by Ali Hewson Helps Support Manufacturing in Africa
Sharon Schneider, Founder & CEO of Good Karma Clothing for Kids (INTERVIEW)
8-Bit Gamer Shades
The Pixelated 8-Bit Sunglasses are an Ode to Old School Video Games
Beads to Fight Poverty
BeadForLife Sells Fair Trade Jewelry and Shea Butter Made in Uganda
Crystal Bullet Necklaces
Skin & Bones Offers Deadly Accessories
Opulent Organic Sunshades
The Herrlicht Wood Glasses are Exorbitantly Expensive
Retro Glamor Shades
The ISSON SS 2012 Collection Guards Your Eyes and Your Fashion Sense
Flatpack Fruit Bowls
The Gills Bowl by Bettina Nissen Folds to Form a Dish
Eco-Conscious Wooden Shades
A Tree Will Be Planted for Each Pair of Hout Couture Sunglasses Sold
Humanitarian Shopping Sites
SOCO Marketplace Attempts to Raise Awareness on Social Causes
One-for-One Wooden Eyeglasses
Anni Shades Plants a Tree for Every Pair Sold
Cultural Camper Packs
Socially Conscious Ethnotek Bags' Travel Backpacks Conform to Desired Style
DIY Shade Designs
'Her New Leaf' Blog Shows How to Easily Spruce up Any Sunglasses
Reserved Farmhouse Branding
Villa de Platos Uses Barnyard Designs
Experience-Creating Cleaners
The Eco Laundry Room Has a Cafe, Kid's Play Area and Free WiFi
Custom Bottles with Purpose
Miir Lets You Customize Your H20 While Supporting Clean Water Projects
Butterfly-Filled Tributes
The 'Book of Life' by David Kracov is Beautifully Inspiring
Homemade Distillery Branding
The Brooklyn Brew Shop 'Beer Making Kit' is Refreshingly Fun
Creature Outline Crockery
Bernardaud Breakfast Bowls Reveal Forms When Filled to the Brim
19 Health-Related Social Enterprises
From Purpose-Driven Workouts to Sharp Socially-Aware Glasses
Butterfly Puffer Coats
The Der Metropol Fall/Winter 2012 Line is Inspired by Nature
Motivated Media Brands
'One&Other' Aims to Put the Social Purpose Back into Local Reporting
Swapable Hipster Shades
The Elizabeth and James Melrose Sunglasses are Smart and Snappy
Industry-Tapping Social Enterprises
Australia's Thankyou Water Uses Profits to Fund H2O Projects
Vibrant Kid-Centric Packaging
Little Duck Organics Use Dinky Toys as Inspiration for Branding
Strategic Creativity Events
Germination is a Communications Company Driving Social Change
Dual-Purpose Bowls
Jacob Nitz's TESSA Vessel is Perfect for Small Spaces
Assaf Weisz, Founder of Venture Deli (INTERVIEW)
Assaf Weisz
Youthful Entrepreneur Projects
'Social Enterprise Africa' Trains Ethical Changemakers
Retro Skeletal Sunglasses
The Cheap Monday Spring/Summer 2013 Accessories Collection is Chunky
Moisture Harvesting Skyscrapers
The 'Hydro Aero Device' Extracts Water from Scorching Deserts
Organized Baking Vessels
'Cake in a Bowl' Helps You Make Confections All in One Place
Paint Maestro Videos
The Moral Fibers Artist Profile on Gurrier Puchon Creates Connections
Health-Sensing Eyewear
O2Amps Glasses Can Help Doctors Assess Oxygen Levels in Blood
Smartphone-Operated Circuits
The 'Wireless Smart Socket' Controls Homes from Afar
Collapsible Classic Sunnies
The Ray-Ban Foldable Aviators are a New Endeavor for The Brand
$45,000 Automotive Shades
Glam Up with the Bentley x Estede Sunglasses
Soulful Sustainable Shorts
Explore Ethical Fashion in the Ryan McGinley Beautiful Rebels Film
Illustrated Skeletal Dinnerware
The Bone Appetite Collection Brings New Meaning to Bone China
Youth Development Programs
The Spring Project is a Radical Employment Effort in London
Erik Spalding, Co-Founder of Bullets2Bandages (INTERVIEW)
Healing Jewelry Made of Real Ammo
Vibrant Fair Trade Products
Global Mamas Helps Ghana-Based Artisan Reach New Markets
Baby Subscription Services
Good Karma Clothing for Kids Encourages Collaborative Consumption
Social Exclusion Enterprises
The United Kingdom's 'Destiny Support' Seeks Out Engagement
Wholesome Cocoa Branding
The San Churro ‘Real Chocolate' Packaging is Numerically Righ
Craft-Based Apparel
Nuinani is a Hawaiian Business with Organic Material and a DIY Ethos
Hi-Tech Home Hubs
The Kult Control Panel Amalgamates All Means to Managing Interior Electronics
Stuff-Sharing Social Enterprises
Unstash Fosters Collaborative Consumption for Sustainability
Curated Crowdfunded Marketplaces
Outgrow.me Offers Consumers Kickstarter & Indiegogo Products
Ceramic Water Filters
Pure Home Water Creates Low-Tech Solution to Water Sanitation
Social Responsibility Strategists
'A Very Good Company' Offers Communications for Positive Change
Germinating Energy Meters
The Philips PowerPlant Holds or Releases Water Based Upon Energy Use
Decorative Insignia Sunglasses
The Wild Fox Starstruck Frame Sunglasses Scream Celebrity Style
Wholesome Harvest Branding
Late July Tortillas Packaging Has a Healthy Homegrown Appeal
Beneficial Online Marketplaces
Buy With Heart Provides Marketing Resources for Social Ventures
Health-Focused Hygiene Cosmetics
MeSoap Provides Supplies and Funds Sanitation Initiatives
Lon Wong, Co-Founder of Unstash (INTERVIEW)
Collaborative Consumption Platform
Hubs for Changemakers
McKinsey's What Matters Showcases High Impact Social Innovation
Fearless Social Innovation Festivals
A Good Week Celebrates Bettering the World
Passionate Internet Communities
Phinklife is a Social Platform and Non-Profit Organization
Cultural Clothing Tours
Verdes y Colores is the Vision of Sustainable Retail and Fashion
Power-Saving Beverage Dispensers
Coca-Cola Japan Unveils Eco-Friendly Vending Machines
Alternative Micro-Investment Platforms
InVenture Helps Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries
Holistic Plumbing History Charts
This Charts Visualizes the Extensive History of Plumbing Lucidly
Sporty Multimedia Shades
Experience Movies on an Epic Level with the Vuzix Wrap 1200 3D Glasses
Personifying Breakfast Bowls
Give Your Egg Some Spunky Personality with the Bad Egg Cup
Digital Divide Connectors
Talk2One is a Social Enterprise Connecting People to Communication
Dinner Dish Piggy Banks
The Rice Bowl Resource Kit Aims to Feed the Hungry
CSR Influencers
'One Love Network' Empowers Consumers to Impact Social Good Budgets
Local Multimedia Messages
The Community Film Unit is a Youth-Focused Social Enterprise
Heartfelt Conservation Caps
Conservation Minnesota Creates Baseball Caps to Protect Waterfronts
Community Craft Ciders
Brew On is a Social Enterprise Based in the United Kingdom
Ocean Tracking Apps
The Expedition White Shark App for iPhone Brings Shark Week to Your Pocket
Health Service Social Enterprises
The SCA Group Offers Community Care in the United Kingdom
Illustrative Pop Cultural Shades
Iconic Movie Sunglasses Inforgraphic Showcases Infamous Shades
Online Bike-Sharing Communities
Liquid is a Marketplace Connecting Bicycle Owners With Renters
Life-Enhancing Senior Enterprises
'Action For Elders' is a CIC Tackling the Challenges of Old Age
Waste-Reverting Social Enterprises
Wombling CIC Recycles Goods Headed for the Landfill
Mental Health Social Enterprises
Mentis Tree CIC is a Not for Profit for Psychological Therapy
Hearing-Impaired GPS
The Seek Deaf Informational Navigational System Helps Achieve Independence
Imaginative Care Supporters
Community Catalysts Develops Radical Solutions to Social Issues
Skimpy Slender Containers
These Folded Bowls by Nico Economidis are Perfect for Picky Eaters
Rehab-Funding Mocktails
The Brink Liverpool is an Alcohol-Free Bar and Recovery Social Enterprise
Flying Pig Pitches
Good Deals UK Brings Unconventional Voting to the 2011 Social Finance Forum
The Community Film Unit, Social Enterprise (INTERVIEW)