Hope, joy and future are all found in Florence, Alabama. Not on your bucket list? We crossed over the O’Neal Bridge to introduce you to the inspirational efforts of Natalie Chanin, whose line, Alabama Chanin has been at the forefront of sustainable, craft-forward fashion for over two decades.
The Alabama Chanin label is wholly committed to the handmade, creating stylish, thready pieces that speak to the intuitive strength of Natalie’s native roots. Headquartered in a former textile factory, Natalie and her team collaborate closely with independent seamstresses and tailors local to Florence. From thread to retail, her process prioritizes the true beauty of slow fashion—beautiful textiles, thoughtful design, low environmental impact and flourishing communities that come together to make it all happen.
Of special note are Natalie’s materials… or material, we should say. Cotton, with all its history, is a material held closely to her heart. Every piece of Alabama Chanin is crafted from American-made, organic cotton jersey—spun by a group of artisan sewists local to The Shoals community of Northwest Alabama. Their organic cotton is sourced, ginned, spun, knitted and dyed entirely within the American South—an effort that supports local industry and cultural heritage.
“We believe that good things take time—and last a lifetime.”
— Natalie Chanin
