DIRECTLY ENGAGING WITH THE PROBLEMS OF SUPPLY-CHAIN & TRADITIONAL CLOTHING
Over two years abroad I visited many small collectives that practice traditional craft making.I dealt with problems supply-chain pressure, financing, and lack of demand. I left determined to help traditional processes, fabrics, knowledge, folklore, and ways of life thrive in a 21-century economy.
I often found these communities by working with groups like Fashion 4 Freedom and Nest, groups that support artisans by connecting them to capital and business opportunities. Sometimes I offered website and social media guidance in exchange for the opportunity to learn from the artisans directly; collaborating to make a unique artifact with some visits. I met with silk makers in Varanasi India, wood carvers in Hue Vietnam, hand-spun cotton producers in Laos, and natural indigo dye co-ops in northern Thailand. Each technique possesses immense cultural value. Crucially,