Activism / Nepal Project / Cashmere Collection.
We believe humanity has a common thread — a common hope for unity, freedom, and sustainability. Apolis creates opportunities for developing economies by connecting them to the global marketplace through seasonal stories and products.
Apolis Activism is a platform for a network of global citizens empowering people through opportunity instead of charity.
Kathmandu, Nepal. This beautiful Himalayan country is known for its Kashmir goats, but is plagued by a rigid caste system for women. The non–profit Citta began a women’s cashmere cooperative that creates a self sufficient infrastructure for the local community.
Michael Daube, Executive Director, Citta. “This project allowed us to take on several more part–time women and provide them with stable jobs. Apolis illuminates the chain of events that brings a product from Nepali hands to your communities hands.”
Los Angeles, California. The Parton brothers started Apolis Activism in Santa Barbara, California and in 2007 moved to downtown Los Angeles. Their 900 sq. ft. design space was built in 1904 with concrete floors, brick walls, and 18' wood ceiling.
Raan Parton, Creative Director, Apolis Activism. “With Citta we are partnering in a small dream between a heritage craft and an opportunity for livelihoods. A story of survival and a pursuit of a future — that we hope all people can share.”
Vancouver, British Columbia. Rob Lo and Davie Fernande opened the men’s specialty store Roden Gray in Vancouver’s historic Gastown district. It is merchandised with today’s best menswear in a 1,000 sq. ft. space.
Rob Lo, Co–Owner, Roden Gray. “The product Apolis brings to retail is innovative and unique by connecting cause and sustainability. It has been great to watch people understand it is a brand you join not just purchase.”
Over the past three months the Nepal Project has provided work for thirty five seamstress at the Citta Women’s cashmere Co–Op in Kathmandu, Nepal. Already, these early results show the initiative achieving it’s goal of developing the cashmere industry by providing opportunity through jobs instead of offering charity with donations. See the women.