The Supply Change: Changing the Chain

by Hannah Jang, Chief Blogger

The Supply Change is a for-profit social enterprise that connects global fashion brands with organizations and artisans in developing economies to bring socially conscious fashion to the mainstream consumer. By forging long-term partnerships with these brands and enterprises, The Supply Change is fully committed to the Triple Bottom Line: People, Planet, Profits. Chrissie Lam, founder of The Supply Change, shares how the SC is taking fashion to new heights.

How did the Supply Change come into being?

Taylor Krauss is the catalyst that kick-started my desire to go volunteer in Africa. I was introduced to him at a Cinco de Mayo party in NYC back in 2007. We talked about his work and I was immediately inspired and interested in the non-profit organization he started, Voices of Rwanda. After hearing about this, I was blown away: “Wow! That’s really admirable, I wish I could do something like this…” At the time, I couldn’t leave my job as Senior Conceptual Designer at American Eagle Outfitters.  However, we met again in the beginning of April after he returned from Kigali. It was hard not to be captivated and become impassioned by his spirit and focus. This time an idea came to me in the form of connecting creatives with causes for philanthropic collaborations. I had wanted to do something like this for a while, but I had not been able to fully realize a project where my involvement and cooperation of my friends and associates would have so much potential to succeed.

I requested and was granted a three month sabbatical in the summer of 2008 and packed my bags and headed off to Rwanda.  Prior to leaving, I had designer friends of mine create graphics tees/rebrand NGOs and obtain brand donations of clothes and supplies to raise funds and awareness, calling the project Create for a Cause.  Over the past few years, I’ve been assisting various NGOs with creative direction, connections and fundraising.  Friends I have made on that journey are still very much a part of my life, and I’m happy to say that I’m working with some of them today.  The positive reaction I received by activating the collaboration between creative forces and social causes prompted me to think on a larger scale, and thus the Supply Change was born.

What were you doing before that informed your work with the development of the Supply Change?

I've been working in the fashion industry for 12 years in Concept Design/Research & Development/Trend Forecasting for brands like Abercrombie and Fitch and American Eagle, which has given me the opportunity to travel all around the world. Over the past 5 years, through my travels and work with various NGOs in developing countries, I had an increasing desire to merge my passions together: International Development with Fashion Design. 

Where is the SC going?

The Supply Change will continue to consult on and connect more fashion brands with social enteprise partnerships and collaborations. Our new travel initiative, Fashion Designers Without Borders will bring established design professionals through our Immersive Sourcing Safaris.

Fashion Designers Without Borders combines my love of fashion, adventure, and philanthropy. We are curating experiences and enlisting like-minded design colleagues in order to help them realize the potential of sourcing in developing countries.

What are the most pressing sustainable/ethical fashion issues for you?

Economic Empowerment.  Empowering impoverished communities around the world to lift themselves out of poverty. Eco and Re/Upcyling components are very important factors for me as well.

What amazing things are your clients doing?

I'm thrilled to help brands start new groundbreaking social enterprise initiatives within their companies and see them lead with intention and get behind this new exciting way of sourcing. Such clients include Henri Bendel's, Steven Alan, Chico's, Pacsun, and many more.

Comments

[Jacquie Collins]

Hello.This article was really fascinating, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last week..... i really enjoy your blog

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This seems to be an interesting and vibrant work. Not only that you do what you love, but you are helping people at the same time."Without Borders" fashion designer sounds like a good organization. This seems to be an interesting and innovative ways to allow designers to show off their new work, to help people. I really like this cause. I am glad I do not have more information in this study.

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"Without Borders" fashion designer sounds like a good organization. This seems to be an interesting and innovative ways to allow designers to show off their new work, to help people. I really like this cause. I am glad I do not have more information in this study.

[Sil Miller]

This is a great idea. I have never thought about going overseas and teaching third world countries how to dress. This seems like a fun and energetic job. Not only are you doing something you love, but you are helping people at the same time. The "Fashion Designers Without Borders" sounds like an excellent organization. This seems like a fun and innovative way to get designers to show off their new work and to help people. I really like this cause. I'm glad that I did more information on this research.

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Thanks for Taylor who served as a catalyst for change. I am happy reading it since supply for change really calls for transformation for fashion. It is so appealing to see your photos gorgeously dressed.