By Annie Millican | Director of Awamaki Lab
Over the course of holiday fundraising with GlobalGiving, the Awamaki Lab team was busy preparing the launch of its inaugural collection in New York City. In our quest to build a robust, closed-loop fashion supply chain in Ollantaytambo, Peru, we’ve recognized the importance of engaging the fashion world to carve out an industry presence for both our product and program. Awamaki Lab endeavors to harness the talents and capabilities of women in Ollantaytambo to open up and diversify the local labor market and augment Patacancha textile sales. To this end, we introduced the first season of Awamaki Lab by designer Nieli Vallin to an audience of key industry stakeholders, press and buyers at Guilded Studios on the Bowery in Manhattan.
Awamaki Lab design mentor Tara St James donated her studio as the venue, and all other presentation materials – including refreshments, display mannequins and DJ set – were provided through sponsorship and the collective goodwill of friends. A night of textiles, fair-trade fashion and good conversation culminated in the successful launch of Awamaki Lab, with five articles published on high-traffic “eco” and conventional fashion online publications. We were able to generate interest in the Lab amongst fashion insiders and consumers, ensuring the early sales necessary for the long-term growth and sustainability of the project.
Additionally, because of your generous donations, we have begun to invest in the requisite sewing co-operative equipment to prepare for garment production. This includes industrial sewing machines, studio space, training supplies and the cost of hiring an Ollanta seamstress named Paula to run an introductory design curriculum to help standardize the sewing skills of participants of the co-op. The training will start in earnest in early May, and we will be sure to keep you updated. Please check out the launch party photos as well as a selection of articles published about Awamaki Lab. Thank you for your continued support. Your contribution has been vital to the success of Awamaki Lab!
Visit our website to learn more: www.awamaki.org/awamakilab
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