Functioning on the structure of a cottage industry, Alabama Chanin has been reigniting interest in local and handmade products since 2001. This small company creates one-of-a-kind, often up-cycled pieces for the individual and the home through a community of artisans that are based in and around Florence, Alabama. As such, the brand is establishing a local production system constructing high-quality pieces that are truly ‘grown-to-sewn’ in the USA.

Involving the customer in the particular design and fit of each of their pieces has grown to be a definite indicator of the company’s sustainability and Slow Design principles.  As part of this philosophy, Alabama Chanin Trunk Shows are hosted in cities around the USA throughout the year, allowing clients to custom order pieces from their collections. One can choose the color, size, length, sleeve and embellishments, conferring over fabric books and colors cards provided at the Shows to shape a garment that fits their personal style. “Building clothing this way means that the piece a client receives is the only one like it in the world,” which is very enriching and gratifying.

In a time when the marketplace is becoming increasingly saturated with homogenous and low-quality apparel, handmade pieces that are offered through a selection that can cater to many tastes has become quite appealing. The rejuvenation of bespoke business shows that age-old methods can be applied to modern markets, with a proven successful outcome. Founder Natalie Chanin believes that it is “true luxury, to have a bespoke item, hand-sewn just for you; and at the price of other off-the-rack designer goods is what drives customers to our business model.” Face-to-face contact with the people handling your order forms part of this personal experience, as does the hands-on designing of a garment that you know is specially made for you.

Alabama Chanin’s most recent Trunk Show, was hosted in Birmingham, Alabama at Full Circle, a shop specializing in antique, homemade and vintage goods. Keep yourself abreast of upcoming Trunk Shows in New Orleans, LA and Berkeley, CA through the EVENTS  page, or organize a Trunk Show to be hosted in your shop or retail corner by contacting June@AlabamaChanin.com or Kay@AlabamaChanin.com.

 Images courtesy of Alabama Chanin.