As someone who loves fashion but despises the human and environmental exploitation so common in the industry, I‘ve struggled for years to find brands that truly align with my values around sustainability and ethical production methods. Most claiming to focus on these issues hardly scratch the surface or provide enough supply chain transparency for me to feel fully comfortable supporting them.
That‘s why I felt so heartened when I first discovered Industry of All Nations during a late night Instagram scroll. Captivated by images of Peruvian farmers harvesting vibrantly colored cotton and Bengali potters hand-throwing porcelain tableware, I dove into exploring the brand‘s website. I quickly realized this company operated on an entirely different level of ethics – the founders genuinely conveyed deep personal dedication towards improving lives through conscientious consumerism.
After learning about Industry of All Nation‘s direct partnerships with over 50 globally dispersed artisan cooperatives, I felt confident the profits from my purchases would directly support skilled craftspeople fairly. I placed my first order for one of their signature Alpaca crewneck sweaters knit by a women‘s collective in the Bolivian highlands and was thrilled when it arrived on my doorstep. Slipping the super soft undyed wool over my head, I could almost hear the chatting and clacking needles of the knitters who created this lovely garment by hand using generations-old techniques.
I‘ve since become a dedicated Industry of All Nations customer and want to share everything I‘ve learned about this incredible company striving to preserve heritage artforms through contemporary design collaborations. I‘ll provide an in-depth look at how they ethically source materials, empower marginalized maker communities, and bring age-old production methods into the 21st century marketplace. Let‘s get started!
Revitalizing Generational Traditions Through Ethical Sourcing Practices
Brothers Juan Diego, Fernando and Patricio Gerscovich founded Industry of All Nations in 2010 after witnessing the devastating impacts mass-produced fast fashion wrought on the livelihoods of artisans across Latin America. Compelled to counter the loss of talent through providing sustainable income sources, they built a customer-focused fashion brand celebrating each item‘s origin story.
After painstaking supply chain analysis, the brand formed equitable partnerships with over 50 self-managed artisan cooperatives around the world. Groups specializing in textile weaving, natural dyeing, ceramics, woodworking, and other handcrafts were offered direct-to-consumer product collaborations honoring their heritage. Industry of All Nation‘s team frequently visits each location to ensure environmental sustainability and fair labor policies are upheld. So far, they‘ve measured $2.5 million in additional income generated for the cooperatives along with 500 new full-time jobs.
How Industry of All Nations Keeps Ancient Peruvian Textile Traditions Alive
As a prime example of heritage preservation transforming marginalized communities, let‘s analyze Industry of All Nation‘s partnership with indigenous weaving collectives across Peru‘s Sacred Valley. High in the Andes mountains, these communities face diminishing demand for their intricate textiles as cheap synthetic fabrics flood the region. Young generations gravitate towards cities for better incomes, leaving behind millennia-old weaving, spinning and natural dyeing traditions.
When brand co-founder Patricio Gerscovich encountered the Santuranticuy weavers‘ cooperative outside Cuzco and witnessed their struggle firsthand, he felt driven to intervene before the vintage techniques disappeared completely. After months collaborating on appropriate adaptations to meet modern consumer interests, the cooperative released their first Industry of All Nations product line in 2014 – a collection of baby alpaca wool ponchos, hats and gloves featuring Pre-Colombian iconography.
The debut collection sold out within two weeks, providing the financial incentive for weavers to invest more time mastering ancestral methods. News of the cooperation brought waves of aspiring apprentices eager to learn dwindling Practices like hand-spinning wool with DROP spindles and crafting floral motifs in the intricate Wave Edge style. Six years later, the Santuranticuy Cooperative has grown from a dozen senior weavers to over 200 members across three generations and becomes the region‘s largest employer. Their vibrant textiles now grace yoga pants, pillow covers, shirts and tote bags celebrated by conscious shoppers globally.
Environmentally Friendly Production Prioritizing Local Materials
In addition to cultural preservation, Industry of All Nations equally prioritizes environmental sustainability across their supply network. Conscious consumption begins with the materials themselves – the brand only uses organic fibers, ethically wild-harvested rubber, and woods from managed reforestation plots. For manufacturing, they partner with cooperatives harnessing renewable energy to power production.
For example, the artisan collective in Thailand supplying Industry of All Nation‘s line of copper wares runs entirely on solar. They recycle rainwater for use in metal casting and fining stages, further reducing environmental footprints. Locally sourcing materials within regional proximity to workshops also drastically lowers emissions from transport usually associated with globalized supply chains.
By working exclusively with small-batch artisan cooperatives instead of large factories, Industry of All Nations helps mitigate the pollution resulting from mass production. For example, the brand‘s Alpaca wool sweater production generates 80% less CO2 than equivalent fast fashion versions. Plus, the premium prices paid for handcrafted goods reflect what sustainably-sourced, low-impact manufacturing actually costs when fair wages are accounted for.
Signature Products Blending Heritage With Contemporary Style
Over a decade into this grand experiment of artisan alliance, the Industry of All Nations product catalog stands as a testament to humanity‘s creative diversity. While every item has function, each tells a unique story of cultural resilience and livelihoods transformed through ethical commerce.
Let me highlight just a few of my favorite pieces conveying such empowering narratives:
1. Choquequirao Button-Down
This slim-fitting navy shirt features a scene from the ancient Incan ruins of Choquequirao, screen printed by an artisan collective in Cuzco to celebrate their heritage. The soft organic cotton is grown and woven into bolts of fabric at a women-run cooperative in rural India before shipment to Peru for finishing. I love wearing this conversation starter to the office!
2. Teakwood Batik Rice Bowls
Skilled batik artisans in Indonesia hand-etch intricate wax-resist designs onto blocks of sustainably harvested teak before carving them into these gorgeous rice bowls. Each one takes over 35 hours to complete! The rich grains on my set depict tropical flowers and vines, effortlessly elevating any dining table.
3. Vineyard Grape Gathering Basket
Made by a Bolivian cooperative employing Guatemalan refugees, these sturdy yet lightweight grape baskets represent lives transformed by new opportunity. They are sustainably woven from biodegradable Platino straw, making them ideal partners for local farms focused on organic production techniques. The minimalist shape fits my modern kitchen aesthetic perfectly while referencing centuries of winemaking tradition.
4. Hand Stamped Leather Journal Cover
This vegetable tanned leather cover protecting my daily journal employs a traditional embossing technique practiced for generations across Paraguay. The artisan who individually stamped my pattern also stitched the wrapped corners and braided tie closure by hand, elevating a utilitarian design into a miniature work of art I‘m honored to own and use.
5. Felted Alpaca Rug
My cloud-soft rug derives from alpaca raised humanely by a Chilean cooperative in the Andes Mountains. Their careful brushing, washing, carding and drying transforms fiber harvested from these environments into felt textiles ideal for floor coverings. I love sinking my toes into the ivory hue each morning, knowing my steps contribute to preserving these age-old traditions.
6. Hand Thrown Porcelain Mugs
These minimalist mugs were shaped entirely by hand – no pottery wheels involved! – by the award-winning Noengban Pottery Collective in rural Thailand. Their porcelain clay source has produced fine dishware for nearly 600 years. I feel connected to centuries of artistry every time I enjoy a soothing cup of tea.
Beyond outstanding craftsmanship, each Industry of All Nations piece tells a narrative of talents preserved and communities supported through ethical sourcing. I proudly display them as conversation starters spreading this mission.
Full Immersion Into Artisan Origins Through Omnichannel Experience
While Industry of All Nations began primarily as a digitally native brand, they have evolved into a pioneer of omnichannel retail celebrating artisan origin stories across platforms. Their website offers extensive detail on partner cooperatives beyond the capacities of product hang tags – but for those wanting full immersion, I highly recommend visiting one of their concept boutiques.
I recently experienced their San Francisco location and became completely enthralled learning about Cambodian palm weaving, Vietnamese ceramic glazing and Afghani glass blowing techniques through video interviews with cooperative members. Exquisite pieces crafted by local Bay Area artists also integrate seamlessly besides wares from global partners.
In addition to insight around materials and methods, I enjoyed reading about each artisan‘s name and a bit of background posted beside their items. This boutique goes beyond shopping to embody Industry of All Nation‘s ultimate vision – full transparency fostering equitable maker/consumer connections. Their digital channels synchronize flawlessly for those craving similar depth outside major cities.
Why I‘ll Remain an Industry of All Nations Supporter
Since discovering Industry of All Nations five years ago, I haven‘t once doubted their dedication toward protecting marginalized artisan communities through sustainable employment and heritage preservation. The sheer scope of groups empowered through trade partnerships shows no signs of slowing either – the brand just onboarded their first Mexican glass jewelry collective this season.
I plan to remain an avid customer because this company walks the walk when it comes to fair trade principles and positive globalization. Too many brands exploit indigenous designs without proper permissions, copying embroidery patterns or ceramic finishing techniques without inputting earnings back into maker communities. Industry of All Nations celebrates artisans as collaborators and co-creators, ensuring equitable sharing of profits.
The sheer artistry shining through every unique product offering also outshines anything mass manufacturing can reproduce. No two hand spun textiles or individually carved wood pieces ever appear identical. Understanding the care and time devoted to my goods makes me value them profoundly as well.
By directly supporting over 50,000 artisans thus far on their staunch ethical production journey, Industry of All Nations sets a new standard for fashion industry reform centered on human stories and livelihoods. They never compromise high style while upholding moral standards either. For these reasons and more, I‘ll continue preaching their gospel to any who will listen!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many artisan cooperatives is Industry of All Nations currently partnered with?
As of 2022, they collaborate with 52 self-managed collectives across Africa, Asia, South America and Central America.
What types of materials does the brand use?
Industry of All Nations exclusively uses organic plant fibers, ethically harvested woods, bio-based vegan leathers, natural dyes and locally sourced metals that do not pollute environments when processed.
Does Industry of All Nations operate any stores?
Yes, they now run four boutique locations: Venice, California; Joshua Tree, California; Williamsburg, Brooklyn New York; and the Mission District of San Francisco.
What is their shipping and return policy?
Industry of All Nations offers free carbon neutral shipping within the domestic U.S. on orders over $100. Under $100 incurs a $7 flat fee. Returns must be initiated within 14 days and restocking fees apply.
Contact and Promotions
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-323-204-3376
Sale Alerts: Sign up through their website footer to receive early access to seasonal sales plus member discounts on select items year-round. Right now they are offering 10% off your first order for new email subscribers.
I hope you‘ve enjoyed learning all about my favorite ethically produced fashion and lifestyle brand! Please let me know in the comments if you have any other questions.
