Walking Protest partners with Crafts by Solid for the production of their knitwear collection. Since WP is so much more than clothing, it truly is a dream partnership. It’s all about people and planet for them and that’s precisely what we’re looking for when starting new collaborations.
Madeline runs this amazing Australian based brand with her heart and soul. Visiting the artisans who produce her tailormade pieces felt like a dream come true.
“Meeting these people was an incredible blessing, learning and being shown first hand how Solid shares our deeply rooted values and continue to pioneer for a more sustainable and fair tomorrow in the fashion industry (one which is deeply needed) - spurred my motivation with WP even further.”
Just like us, Madeline sometimes feels overwhelmed by the world we live and work in. It all drives her to do things drastically different.
“It's easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless in a world where greed, over consumption and exploitation of people and planet takes precedence. To be honest, this overwhelm was taking a toll on me too.
I feel a new sense of reverberation now after seeing how many lives fashion has the ability to change for the better and how many ecosystems we have the ability to work with not against when growing our textiles and developing our supply chains.
The heart of Solid's mission as a company is one that gives me hope for the future of the fashion industry, people and our earth. The energy of each person I had the pleasure of meeting radiated positivity, joy and gratitude.”
What stood out to you most during your visit to Ayacucho?
The joy, gratitude and happiness that radiated from every person who is involved with Solid's important and life changing mission.
How has visiting the workshop changed your perspective on our products?
It emphasised to me that our clothing has the ability to radically change lives, restore ecosystems & uplift communities.
What was your most memorable moment with the artisans?
When we visited the external group of knitters, I was overwhelmed with gratitude to see how much effort the ladies put in to give us a warm welcome. Hearing each one of their stories was so special and moving. Seeing their humility and gratitude for life was so inspiring. I absolutely loved meeting them**.**
Can you share your thoughts on the craftsmanship you witnessed?
These ladies are so incredibly talented! It was so incredible meeting the women who actually made my pieces also and hearing about how they overcame challenges with a new style and the intricacies behind every stitch.
How would you describe the impact of this visit on your connection to our brand?
It made me realise that Solid is so many things to so many people. The amount of incredible social projects that are making massive differences to people's lives and generating opportunities was incredibly inspiring. It has made me want to support and be a part of Solid as much as I can. The team also is so incredibly kind, passionate and hospitable both in Belgium and Peru.
Which artisan stories inspired you the most?
I heard a story from one of the young external knitters where she mentioned she has a child at only the age of ( 19 I think ) and she does not know where the father is. Speaking about the fact that now she can feed and give her child an education through being employed by Solid was very moving.
How does seeing the production process affect your appreciation for the products?
I always knew how much time and love went into every piece but seeing how the knitters made garments in person just cemented this knowing even further.
What was your favourite behind-the-scenes moment from the workshop?
I absolutely loved seeing the little school of Diamanta with all the mother's children there. This is such an important extension of having a women led business and I believe more companies should adopt this in their business models for the welfare of staff and families.
In what ways did the visit to Ayacucho meet or exceed your expectations?
The hospitality and organisation to show me as much of Solid and its impacts possible far exceeded my expectations and was truly a wonderful experience.
How would you explain the social and economic impact of our projects to others?
I would say that small actions are big actions to others and you have no idea what kind of impact you're capable of making in someone else's lives. Solid is dedicated to their people and uplifting communities - this &andtheir sustainability focus is etched into everything that they do.
Feeling inspired by Madeline and the Walking Protest vision on fashion production? Then we absolutely share the need to make a positive impact together. Here to help you with both whitelabel and tailormade items for your collection. We’ll cover your fair trade production all year round with light crochet pieces for summer and the warmest knits for winter.
Always here to help!
