Alabama Chanin would like to thank the following collaborators and contributors. We’ve worked together to design and produce stencil designs, garment patterns, embroidered garments, upcycled garments, fabrics, one-of-a-kind pieces of art to wear, jewelry, ceramic dinnerware, glasses, quilts, furniture, as well as a wide range of events across the globe. Thank you one and all. Collaborations in chronological order: Lola Schnabel 200 one-of-a-kind, hand-drawn, painted, embellished, and embroidered garments Design Fall 2001 | Presentation Spring 2002 | Launch Fall/Winter 2002 Website: http://www.lolamontesschnabel.com / Instagram: @motherfuture. Fernando Sanchez 50 one-of-a-kind garments using scrap fabrics from the Fernando Sanchez collection; The Fernando...
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In 2009, the Songbirds collection is designed and shown in New York City the following year. Inspired by American Folk Singers, the collection features female vocalists and musicians from across the country.
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Below is a chronological index of all entries from Alabama Chanin’s 21 Years Celebration. Each title is linked to the original entry for seamless viewing. 1980–1990 School of Design and Early Work Life 1990–1999 Photography and Film 1999–2000 Venezuela to Brooklyn 2000 Brooklyn to Chelsea Alabama Collection Stitch 2001 Chelsea Hotel Julie Gilhart - Barneys New York Sally Singer Orders Project Alabama and Partners The Corset Steven Smith Chelsea Hotel and 9/11 Collaboration Stenciling and Lean Method 2002 Lola Schnabel @ Project Alabama Nicole Phelps Vogue and Julia Reed Picnic 2003 Paris and Oscar Wilde Laura Vinroot Poole Emerging Designers...
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Diane Hall visits the Project Alabama production office at Lovelace Crossroads in 2001, after seeing someone sewing an early shirt design while waiting at a local doctor’s office. She is immediately welcomed to the team and still helps with projects and workshops today. For over two decades, Diane worked in every aspect of the organization: patternmaking, shipping, sewing, and teaching workshops.
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Natalie and Philip Fimmano meet in 2006 and work together on a variety of projects over the following years, from exhibitions and lectures to essays and other publications. Today, Philip is a trend analyst, curator, and the Creative Director of Trend Union. Founded by trend forecaster Li Edelkoort, Trend Union shares studied forecasts for coming seasons through uniquely immersive experiences, webinars, and tactile books. This work is deeply inspiring to all of us at Alabama Chanin.
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In 2021, Alabama Chanin collaborates with Diana Weymar of Tiny Pricks Project to create a collection of 21 one-of-a-kind jackets. Each piece is embroidered with 21 verses written by Diana and Natalie that capture Alabama Chanin’s journey and evolution over the past twenty-one years. Each jacket is hand sewn, then sent to Diana’s home in Vancouver, Canada where she uses chalk to write the verses across each garment in a unique configuration. Once marked, the jackets return to Alabama where Alabama Chanin artisans embroider Diana’s blueprints.
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Blackberry Farm publishes a conversation with Natalie in the The Radiate Issue, the third volume of Blackberry Magazine. Blackberry Farm is a luxury resort, quietly tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Acquired by the Beall family decades ago through a project to preserve, protect, and honor this land and its natural resources, the farm now spans 4,200 acres and is home to two resorts, Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain.
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In the spring of 2015, The School of Making partners with Nest, a non-profit organization that supports the responsible growth and creative engagement of the artisan and maker economy to build a world of greater gender equity and economic inclusion. The team at Nest collaborates with artisan-based businesses that have strong leadership and the potential to transform their communities by alleviating poverty, empowering women, and promoting peace.
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In 2013, The Factory Café opens, becoming a gathering place for guests, community members, staff, workshop participants, and visitors to dine—and create. Four-by-six-inch recycled cards and sharp pencils are placed on each table so that guests can draw and write. The collection of thoughtful notes and unique sketches that are regularly left behind are photographed for what becomes the “Left on the Café Table” series. In 2020, The Factory Café closes permanently for lunch service and the Friends of the Café dinners are suspended due to the risks of COVID-19. We are eternally grateful to our guests, chefs, and team...
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Founded in 2003, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund provides opportunities for emerging designers during the lasting economic and societal impacts of 9/11. At the onset of another global crisis in 2020, the CFDA repurposes this fund into “A Common Thread,” a fundraiser to aid businesses within the fashion industry whose operations are impacted by the pandemic. This philanthropic initiative serves as a lifeline for many organizations in the midst of great uncertainty. As a grateful recipient of this grant, Alabama Chanin is able to scale up its face mask production and produce over 60,000 masks for those in need during the nationwide shortage.
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