Hi Reader, When I chose this month's theme, Rethinking the way we make - and why?, I have to say, Remaking the way I think - and why? wasn't on the radar! But here we are ... and I want to share some of it all with you. A recent chat with my dear friend Anisa Johnny, got me thinking differently. The fact she's a brilliant Sustainability Coach likely helped. 🤩 Then a few other 'prompts' made it clear things have to change around here. Returning to my first love is of course a big start. What...
24 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Yeah! This week, it's Sustainable Fashion Week, Chicago and here at Motif we're VERY excited! Why? Only because one of our fabulous Kind Fabric Course alumni, Angela Aeschliman is a finalist for FGI, Chicago's 11th annual Rising Star Award ... that's why! Angela's dynamic creativity helps solve people & planet problems, beautifully! With these awards Fashion Group International, Chicago recognises ... those who shape the industry, not just follow it. Exactly what Angela is doing!...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Have you noticed it too? Somehow the alliteration of September and Sustainability has created an unofficial month of focusing on all things 'sustainable'. Honestly, there are so many International Days of XYZ my 'spidey-sustainy-sense' is alliteratively spinning 🤪 But rather than blow past them I want to dig in a bit to what some of them can mean for our own choices, both the pros and the cons. I'm not too sure where this will take us, but am hoping you'll join me for the ride! Two...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, It's been a squirly month in Saudi, and now I'm home in the US. I've been trying to get this letter finished for 2 weeks - so even though technically we're out of August, this letter is definitely from then, and still relevant to share 🙌 'Designing Tomorrow' isn’t only about imagining what’s next. Sometimes, it’s about deciding what kind of tomorrow we want to help create, choosing to stand alongside people and communities when they need us most. Behind the headlines. Recently,...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Well, when I spoke last time about a summer of adventures after returning home - little did I know I'd be on the move again so quickly! Here I am in Saudi Arabia for personal reasons ... which brings a natural pause to many things Motif, but thankfully not all of it! The tech allowing us to continue meaningful work, even when disrupted, got me thinking a bit more about this interface between innovation and tradition. Recognising it's a two way street is exciting to say the least!...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, May your summer be filled with shared adventures, including a few sustainable ones - I'll share more of those next time! That's how I signed off last time, and well ... here we are! After weeks of airports, trains, events, and catching up with wonderful people, I'm settling in and have even found some fab veggies among all the weeds – nature is amazing! The kale lives on!!! It's got me thinking about how all things grow. There are the big decisions needed to start something, but...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Yeah! I'm finally home again in sunny central Illinois! Which, looking at the state of my garden, has been VERY sunny these past few weeks. 🌞 Are you feeling the heat too? Getting back into the swing of things here is hugely helped by some super notes I received after last week's letter. The encouraging, strategic, and creative ideas shared for making kind fabrics even more accessible for designers and makers, are amazing fuel for the journey! Thank You! So ... watch this space!...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, You know me ... it's rare that I feel even a little bit down, and am even less likely to share it, but honestly ... I need to. This letter's not all doom and gloom - I promise 😘 But it seems clouds are doing a great job in keeping their silver linings to themselves these days! What happened? After the fabulous blur of Brussels, it was time to hop over to the UK for a wee break with family and friends, and follow up with all the wonderful people we met at the Future Fabrics Expo....
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, What an amazing time I had at the Future Fabrics Expo in Brussels, Belgium last week! All that prep, travel and promo paid off because my fab Motif team mates and I had a blast talking with some really exciting people. L @sarahgshotme and R @_ngairetakano shining bright for Motif! I’ve yet to read all their notes but even just from my conversations there’s big interest in all that Motif is up to from many different angles: an ethical shoe brand getting curious about our strong...
4 months ago • 2 min read
