This week, I wanted to share an article I recently wrote for CFDA on ethical sourcing tips for artisan brands. I wrote the piece primarily for entrepreneurs and artisan brands who are new to the field but I think it can be of interest to anyone looking for a refresher on how best to incorporate artisanal handcraft production into their supply chain. I dive into what I’ve seen working over the years and have some tips for success in vetting new artisan partners and growing those relationships into healthy, sustainable partnerships.

This month, I'm delighted to present an interview with Harper Poe, someone I always love speaking to about the artisan sector. Harper was the founder of Proud Mary, an artisan accessory brand she began back in 2008. While she's no longer running this business she has a deep love for the field and has been working more recently as a designer for retail chains, doing her best to incorporate artisans into their supply chains.

Today I’m exploring beautiful loungewear from a partner vendor in Turkey. We are going to dive into a material called sile. It’s a hand-loomed, thin muslin cotton fabric that’s been made since ancient times and it’s a Turkish specialty. Sile is perfect for summer accessories: loungewear, beach blankets, scarves, you name it. The fabric originated in the Sile village of Istanbul and is still woven on wooden looms that date back centuries.

I’m honored to feature an interview with one of my favorite writers, Dana Thomas. For those of you who aren't familiar with her work, Dana is the author of a number of nonfiction titles on the fashion industry, including Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes, Gods and Kings: The Rise and Fall of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano and the New York Times bestseller Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster. She began her career writing for the Style section of The Washington Post and for fifteen years she served as a cultural and fashion correspondent for Newsweek in Paris. I have been a fan of Dana's work for many years, so it is a true delight to feature her on AOW's platform of interviewees.

I am delighted to interview Mathieu of In Tweed We Trust, a colleague I had the pleasure to meet and photograph last year. Mathieu's work is dear to my heart because it ties into the story that I am photographing about the French wool industry. He is one of the few designers working with local farmers here in France to source the fibers for his bespoke textiles. He is truly walking the walk and has a sincere drive to help sustain French textile weaving know-ho

I am delighted to interview Chinar Farooqui, founder of INJIRI, one of my personal fave artisanal brands. The company works with artists in India to create exquisite home decor and apparel. Their attention to detail will make you swoon – their products are delicate, chic, thoughtful and timeless. They speak about their products with grace and don't try too hard. Their belief in what they do shines through in the natural voice of their marketing communication. They dig into techniques, materials, and design – always accompanied with beautiful photography.