Way down south in Florence, Alabama resides the groundbreaking fashion brand and production facility, Alabama Chanin. Founded in 2006 by Natalie Chanin, Alabama Chanin is a clothing label that uses a slow fashion business model and focuses on preserving hand-crafts through its design techniques and education. Their building features a showroom/store, a restaurant cafe, a factory, as well as The School of Making. Last September, I had the pleasure of visiting their facility and not only got a full tour but also participated in their monthly "Third Tuesdays" event.
First off, Alabama Chanin truly embraces the beauty of organic cotton and hand sewing like no other. After a valiant, yet unsuccessful, attempt to grow their own cotton on-site, they currently source their cotton from a certified organic farm in Lubbock, Texas. Grown and ginned in Texas, the fiber then travels to North Carolina to be spun, South Carolina for knitting and dyeing, and finally to the brand's main facility in Alabama to be manufactured. It's no secret as to why their garments are some of the highest quality made entirely in the USA. Once at the facility, 25 artisans work to cut, paint, and sew every garment by hand to ensure their thoughtful designs are brought to light. Alabama Chanin has spent the last decade perfecting the combination of sustainability, fashion, DIY, and craft.
Before arriving at the factory, I strategically planned my time in Florence so that I could attend their Third Tuesday event, which is basically a glorified sewing circle. Thirty or so magnificent and talented women gather at The School of Making once a month to catch up on life as well as collectively work on their unique hand sewing projects. At this event, they can compare techniques, fix mistakes, and inspire one another to grow as artists. I showed up with no projects to complete, however, I had an open heart and inquisitive mind. These women came from all over the tri-state area to share their stories and bond over the power of craft. It was truly a blessing to be in their presence and hear about their lives.
I already knew that Alabama Chanin was something wonderful, but I had no idea the level of warmth I would find in Florence. Everyone I met on my journey to Alabama was as welcoming as could be. I felt right at home with these women and they were eager to share their love and skills with me. They took me in for the morning and even treated me to lunch before I left to drive back to Philadelphia. Alabama Chanin and The School of Making are actively working to restore value to the clothing we wear and encourage consumers to make their own garments. They display a model of transparency so that their customers know exactly what their fiber had to go through to become a complete garment.
Clothing brands should seek inspiration from Alabama Chanin and not be afraid to connect with the customers and supply chains. By touring the factory and meeting the women who support slow fashion and Alabama Chanin's mission, I know I feel more connected to my country and the consumer marketplace as a whole. The more we, as consumers, take note of where our foods, products, and clothing come from the more we can begin to improve the lives of production workers, our planet, and our overall connection with the world!
~A.H.W
Photos Courtesy of Myself and Alabama Chanin