Natalie Chanin - Founder and Creative Director
Professional Overview
Natalie Chanin is the Founder and Creative Director of Alabama Chanin, a pioneering sustainable fashion brand, and the Founder of Project Threadways, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the textile industry. With over 30 years of experience in the fashion industry, Chanin is recognized as a leading expert in sustainable design, traditional textile techniques, and community-driven business models.
Current Role
As the Founder and Creative Director of Alabama Chanin, Chanin oversees all aspects of the brand, from design and production to retail and community engagement. Under her leadership, Alabama Chanin has become a global leader in sustainable fashion, known for its handcrafted garments and textiles made using organic and reclaimed materials. Chanin's innovative approach to design and manufacturing has earned the brand numerous accolades, including the CFDA Sustainability Award and the National Design Award from the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
Career Progression
Prior to founding Alabama Chanin, Chanin worked as a freelance stylist, honing her skills in textile design and production. In 2000, she founded Project Alabama, a sustainable fashion label that explored the rich textile heritage of the American South. After six years of successful operations, Chanin transitioned the business to Alabama Chanin, further refining the brand's focus on ethical and community-driven production.
In 2000, Chanin also founded Project Threadways, a non-profit organization that aims to preserve the history and culture of the textile industry. Through educational programs, exhibitions, and community outreach, Project Threadways has become a leading voice in the sustainable textile movement.
Academic Background
Chanin holds a degree in Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she specialized in textile design and production.
Areas of Expertise
- Sustainable fashion design and production
- Traditional textile techniques, including hand-sewing, quilting, and natural dyeing
- Community-driven business models and social impact initiatives
- Preserving the history and culture of the textile industry
Professional Impact
Under Chanin's leadership, Alabama Chanin has become a global leader in sustainable fashion, pioneering innovative production methods and fostering deep connections with its local community in Florence, Alabama. The brand's products are carried in prestigious retailers worldwide and have been featured in numerous publications, including Vogue, The New York Times, and Architectural Digest.
In addition to her work with Alabama Chanin, Chanin's contributions to the sustainable textile movement through Project Threadways have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the Southern Living Community Hero Award and the Alabama Governor's Arts Award.
Conclusion
Natalie Chanin is a visionary leader in the sustainable fashion industry, renowned for her commitment to ethical production, community engagement, and the preservation of textile heritage. As the Founder and Creative Director of Alabama Chanin and the Founder of Project Threadways, Chanin continues to push the boundaries of sustainable design and drive positive change within the fashion industry.
