There is dual meaning when I say that there is life behind this label …These long-lasting, cherish-for-generations garments are created by skilled artisans in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. If the heart of Project Alabama is in its People, then the living history is in the hands that construct, embellish and embroider the clothes. This island cooperative of Stitchers enjoys a newly-found resurgence in the fading art of hand-stitching, a craft that pulses from the heart of American culture. These turn-of-the-century fashion marvels carry on the quilting tradition of craftsmanship, beauty and functionality. Each of Project Alabama's garments pass through dozens of hands before they are completed. And just like every individual, no two garments are identical.

"Life is in the details," or so the motto of the company goes. Alabama born-and-raised designer, Natalie Chanin, founded this heirloom fashion label in 2000. She and her New York-based business partner, Enrico Marone-Cinzano breathed life into the label over the past five years, creating an exemplar company that proves that valuing people is in the practice. Instead of abandoning her roots, like many of us tend to do, she replanted the seed back in Alabama. "Going back [to Alabama] was twofold. I had been traveling so much and the people in my community had given me so much throughout my life that it was just nice to come home. I was also trying to find a manufacturer for my line, but no one would help me. When I came back, I knew all of these ladies near my hometown were still quilting, so I decided to ask them."

Natalie's commitment to her hometown proved to be economically beneficial for the Stitchers of Project Alabama. What once started as a project, turned into a dream. Since that time, the Renaissance label has single-handedly revitalized a community that faced hardships from a loss of textiles jobs after the passing of NAFTA in 1995. Her company's commitment to bringing economic development back into their community is a tale not only of courage, but one of ingenuity.

The label's design marries the rich history of the region with contemporary culture and modern-mindset. Project Alabama focuses on using recycled materials in the durable and textured clothes, a practice employed by quilters of the past. Sequencing, beading, and fitted forms give a feminine touch, while the raw edges of intricate fabric cutouts and thick material convey a masculine strength. All of the pieces are geographically amphibious. I'm particularly just at home wearing their jackets and dresses in the forested hills of Pennsylvania as much as on the city streets of New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. This is a new-old breed of garment and I'm proud to carry the story of Project Alabama around with me.

Life is in the details.

www.projectalabama.com