Imogene+Willie get REAL about USA manufacturing.

I saw this video thanks to a share from my friends at Tradlands in SanFran. To say that this video encapsulates everything that my blog is about would be a huge understatement. I got the chills while I listened to Matt and Carrie share their story, and tears in my eyes when I saw how emotional and honest they were.

Though I've been told that I have a great eye for design and style, I don't know how to make clothes, and while I'm clever, I don't have the right sort of brain to write a business plan. The only way that I feel I can make some sort of contribution to this cause is by writing about it and hoping that some people out there will read, be inspired, and share with others. I'm as guilty as anyone of having a lot of clothing that's manufactured overseas, and the root of the problem is that clothes made in America are difficult to find and generally a lot more expensive. The fact that it is basically impossible to find a factory in the U.S. capable of large-scale manufacturing of multiple types of wovens/cut+sew garments is honestly startling. There's something dramatically wrong with the current system, and the challenge that Matt and Carrie present to brands like Ralph Lauren will hopefully stir up some awareness among larger, more influential designers. If small, homespun companies can sacrifice profits to manufacture their goods in this country, I see no logical reason why multibillion dollar corporations can't do the same.

Big thanks to Matt and Carrie for sharing your story and throwing down the manufacturing gauntlet,  you are truly an inspiration!

SHOP imogene+willie

EDIT:
Also check out this article from NPR discussing the differences in business practice and philosophy between American Apparel and Forever 21: Fast Fashion's Challenge: Making Money with 'Made in USA'