Bards x American Woolen
In 2016, while working at a boutique store, I was in the early stages of my “Made In America” journey. I was deeply invested in local economies, I had found a company in New York that made custom clothing, now I needed a woolen textile mill. Low and behold I found American Woolen, and as fate would have it, the company was in my backyard in Stafford Springs, CT.
When I launched Bards, I knew I needed to continue selling American Woolen and telling that great story of a grown and sewn American garment. Two years ago I also wrote an editorial highlighting them (click here).
Americana Mood board inspiring the fabric (Photo Credit: Nikki Estephan)
Two months ago, Jacob Harrison-Long, the Owner/President of American Woolen called my cell phone. It felt like I was receiving a call from a celebrity. Just shy of a decade I have been selling and promoting this Mill. Now I’m on the phone with the owner?
He invited me up to the Mill to take a tour and wanted to run an idea by me. A fabric mill needs a way to distribute, it needs a product made of the textiles. A partnership was born…
Coming in April 2024
Matthew Banever (Left), Jacob Harrison-Long (Right), at the American Woolen Mill located in Stafford Springs, CT. (Photo credit: Nikki Estephan)
Bards will be an official partner of American Woolen and offer a 100% grown and sewn garment. Not only that, but there will be a Bards Showroom at American Woolen. I will come and measure you at the factory to give you a completely unique experience in custom clothing. The garments made out of this factory will have a unique label highlighting this incredible partnership.
(Photo credit: Nikki Estephan)
Proud, honored, humbled, excited, I could go on without scratching the surface. It is my privilege, focused on promoting American manufacturing and bringing back American jobs in the fashion and textile industry, that this opportunity quickly became a reality. Jacob and I eat, sleep and breathe those three incredible words: Made in America. This is just the beginning of what is to come for clothing made in America.
Interested in booking an appointment? Reply to this post to sign up for the waitlist.
