The Higg Index encourages transparency and the accountability that this industry needs to build momentous -- and effectively measurable -- change. Inspired by this breakthrough, we are thrilled to announce Indigo Handloom as a new member to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) as they roll out the Higg publicly. If enough apparel companies can get behind the Index and see the impact of their choices, the index has the potential to create a ripple effect across other industries!
Common Threads can be found in the deepest corners of the world. Today, we meet Chrissie Lam, the philanthropic founder of The Supply Change. Lam's work connects global brands with artisan groups to bring socially conscious fashion and products to the mainstream. Her latest endeavor involves a universal message of love through the Love Is Project, asking the world: What is Love? The movement encourages the greatest love story of all time with shared stories and handmade bracelets made in Kenyan by the Maasai women. You describe yourself as a modern day gypsy. What does a day in your shoes consist of? Depends on where I am. At home in Bali, morning yoga or tennis, swimming and meditation. Visiting new...
Beloved Customers, Yesterday I was riding around on my Vespa, taking in the delicious smell of the trees of the Oakland hills after a heavy rain - and thinking of you. It’s been one year since we did a Kickstarter campaign to see if our concept of handloom clothing had a place in the market. Would people appreciate the beauty and benefits of handloom, artisanal textiles as much as we do? It was a risk that we’re so glad to have taken. We are forever grateful to have set out on this path and are delighted to give you a big update! Shortly after our Kickstarter ended, we were approached by one of the largest fashion companies in the industry...
Cercle is a crowdfunding program, exclusively for fashion, that is rich in community building. “Fostering collaboration between those who design and those who love design,” the newly launched company provides consumers a way to invest in featured designer’s upcoming collections. Benefits include getting a sneak peek at collection inspirations and the opportunity to fund for double the credit in apparel post launch. For designers, the platform provides a way to gauge interest and fund projects. Brands like Study NY and M. Patmos have already jumped on the Cercle bandwagon to promote upcoming seasons. We caught up with Cercle co-founder, Ayala Meromi Keinan, to learn more about this exciting new platform and how it might push independent design forward in the...
A Common Thread continues as we connect with a young entrepreneur helping to positively impact refugee artisans affected by conflict and migration. During a family trip to Bali, Lauren Baird and her cousin Cara Boccieri became inspired by the unique traditional skills of refugee artisans from the Thailand Burma border. Motivated to provide these refugees with access to an international market to sell their products, the cousins founded Ways of Change -- a collection of thoughtful accessories. Lauren's work as co-founder and creative director of the brand helps to fuse together tradition (the preservation of beautiful generational skill sets) with that of modern style. What are you most passionate about changing or enhancing in the world? I am most...
