projet alabama

Founded in 2000 by Natalie Chanin in Florence, Alabama, Project Alabama—now known as Alabama Chanin—is a pioneer of the American slow fashion movement. The brand began with a collection of 200 unique, hand-sewn T-shirts and grew into a celebrated fashion house rooted in the rich textile traditions of the South. Chanin, a former stylist, built the company on a commitment to sustainable, local, and ethical production, revitalizing artisan skills within her community. The brand is distinguished by its use of organic, American-sourced cotton and its intricate, handmade details like reverse appliqué and hand-embroidery, with each piece signed by the artisan who crafted it.\n\nIn 2023, the company transitioned into a non-profit organization under the name Project Threadways, cementing its mission to preserve craft, cultural heritage, and sustainable practices. Alabama Chanin’s designs are recognized for their timeless, bohemian quality, creating heirloom pieces that are meant to last a lifetime. The brand also has an educational arm, The School of Making, which shares its techniques through books and workshops, fostering a community around the art of making. This open-source philosophy, combined with its made-to-order production model, underscores its commitment to zero-waste principles and a transparent, seed-to-shelf supply chain.