Activism / Nepal Project / Transit Elite Sweater.
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.
Spring 2010.Transit Elite Sweater.
Apolis Activism is a platform for a network of global citizens empowering people through opportunity instead of charity. View Transit Elite Film.
Kathmandu, Nepal. Nepal is the world’s number one adventure playground for cyclists, from the flatlands of the Terai to the Trans Himalayan zones. This beautiful country is known for their Kashmir goats and 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. See images of the production process.
Michael Daube, Executive Director, Citta. “This project is providing Nepali women jobs while creatively promoting tourism. The Transit Elite sweater showcases a product and story that connects commerce and compassion.”
London, United Kingdom. Over five years ago Rapha began setting the standard for performance roadwear by targeting the most discerning rider with products that blend function and form. See images of the Kathmandu ride.
Slate Olson, General Manager North America, Rapha. “A new standard for product has been established with the hand knit process, story and purpose of the Transit Elite Sweater. We appreciate Apolis’ instincts and understanding of the role this sweater has in a rider’s life.”
Los Angeles, California. In November 2009 the Parton brothers invited Rapha to their 900 sq. ft. design space in the arts district of downtown Los Angeles, California. Together the Transit Elite design was finalized and the project began.
See images of the visit.
Shea Parton, Brand Director, Apolis Activism. “The Transit Elite Sweater is the perfect reward for a long ride, the means for Nepali women to determine their own future, and a relevant platform for Nepal’s tourism.”
Read Nepal Journal.
Los Angeles, California. Since the eighties American Rag Cie has pioneered a unique retail concept in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Newport Beach. For the past seven years James Hammonds, mens buyer, has helped curate California’s culture with vintage, home furnishing, fashion, and Chef Moyal’s French cafés.
James Hammonds, Mens Buyer, American Rag Cie. “The Transit Elite Sweater connects a Nepali’s livelihood to a luxury balance of merino wool and cashmere. A product that touches on all levels of excellence.”
Over the past three months the Nepal Project has provided work for fifty knitters 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.
