“...When you give yourself to places, they give you yourself back; the more one comes to know them, the more one seeds them with the invisible crop of memories and associations that will be waiting for you when you come back, while new places offer up new thoughts, new possibilities." — Rebecca Solnit
Earlier this year, two members of the Apiece Apart team traveled to India to meet and work alongside the men and women who are a vital part in the process of developing aspects of our garments. Amid the journey, reflections on the perspective-shifting role of travel, discovery, and keeping one's eyes (and heart) open.
Photos by Emma Rothkopf
Photos by Emma Rothkopf
Can you share more about your role at Apiece Apart?
Carlisle Kaiser: As Director of Production, I am in short responsible for the manufacturing of all Apiece Apart garments...from communication with everyone we work with around the world to overseeing garment fit and quality to leading sustainable research and initiatives.
Emma Rothkopf: I am the Director of Design and Development at Apiece Apart, which includes everything from hand-painting prints to sketching new garments, to fitting new designs...Traveling to India when we did was a necessary next step for us to get a full understanding of the intricate craft possibilities that exist in the country. Meeting face to face with the wonderful people we email with everyday takes the relationship leaps and bounds past any purely digital connection.
Carlisle Kaiser: As Director of Production, I am in short responsible for the manufacturing of all Apiece Apart garments...from communication with everyone we work with around the world to overseeing garment fit and quality to leading sustainable research and initiatives.
Emma Rothkopf: I am the Director of Design and Development at Apiece Apart, which includes everything from hand-painting prints to sketching new garments, to fitting new designs...Traveling to India when we did was a necessary next step for us to get a full understanding of the intricate craft possibilities that exist in the country. Meeting face to face with the wonderful people we email with everyday takes the relationship leaps and bounds past any purely digital connection.
What are you seeing, hearing, feeling? What colors, textures, sensorial details are present?
CK: India is a land of color and vibrancy, unlike any other place I’ve visited. Everywhere you turn, hyper-vibrant color fills your line of sight. Women walk to markets in cherry-red saris adorned with gold thread. Sidewalk carts sell mountains of ripe green limes and soda to school children. Temples are elaborately adorned in agate, coral, and jade.
CK: India is a land of color and vibrancy, unlike any other place I’ve visited. Everywhere you turn, hyper-vibrant color fills your line of sight. Women walk to markets in cherry-red saris adorned with gold thread. Sidewalk carts sell mountains of ripe green limes and soda to school children. Temples are elaborately adorned in agate, coral, and jade.
In what ways does the creative process alter when you travel?
ER: When I travel, I get to see things with fresh eyes. It's the same thing that happens when I go home or to some familiar place I haven't been for ages or when you bring someone close to you to a favorite spot they've never seen: You put yourself in their shoes and see it as if for the first time. I take in the colors on the street, the way people interact, how people decorate their spaces, automobiles, animals, architecture. All of this is so influential, whether it's the color of a garment spotted on the street, the cut-outs on concrete buildings creating a pattern, a graphic on a truck, or simply the mugs used for tea...it's all novel to me and beautiful.
ER: When I travel, I get to see things with fresh eyes. It's the same thing that happens when I go home or to some familiar place I haven't been for ages or when you bring someone close to you to a favorite spot they've never seen: You put yourself in their shoes and see it as if for the first time. I take in the colors on the street, the way people interact, how people decorate their spaces, automobiles, animals, architecture. All of this is so influential, whether it's the color of a garment spotted on the street, the cut-outs on concrete buildings creating a pattern, a graphic on a truck, or simply the mugs used for tea...it's all novel to me and beautiful.
Describe a significant moment/experience from your travels.
CK: While in Jaipur, we visited a small, family-owned wood block printing facility. Block printing is one of the world’s oldest types of printmaking, with evidence that it existed as early as the fifth century BC.
CK: While in Jaipur, we visited a small, family-owned wood block printing facility. Block printing is one of the world’s oldest types of printmaking, with evidence that it existed as early as the fifth century BC.
All block prints begin with an initial design, usually a sketch or painting. Once the design is finalized, the artwork is transferred to and then carved out of a small wooden block. Next, the printer covers the block with ink or dyes and presses it firmly onto cloth. The process is repeated over and over, with as many as 12 different blocks and colors per design. The cloth can than be used to make a range of textile products including garments, bags, and home furnishings.
The process itself is relatively simple, yet extremely time consuming. The craft is a true art form as all blocks are designed and meticulously applied to textiles by hand. The finished product results in some of the most bespoke, colorful textiles you can find. It was deeply inspiring to see the younger generations carry out a multi-generational craft with such care and grace.
What were some of your tried and true travel essentials while away?
CK: - Blanket Shawl. I wore this, quite literally, every day while traveling. It’s light, yet cozy. It’s easy to spread out and use as a blanket on long plane or car rides. It’s also an easy way to cover your arms and shoulders in more conservative environments.
- Bougainvillea Wrap Dress — an easy yet sophisticated dress that you can wear all day, from factory visits to dinner with a vendor.
- Helene Wide Leg Pant — light and airy, ideal for hot days.
- Cajamarca Straw Hat [sold in our NYC store, call 646-455-0346 to order] — a great way to keep hot summer sun off your face and shoulders.
ER: - While traveling I love the soft Dewi Crewneck sweater, which is stylish yet comfortable for 15 hours on a plane
- The Isla Jumpsuit is also a good lightweight option that can be worn anywhere.
- The Isla Jumpsuit is also a good lightweight option that can be worn anywhere.
What did you learn? / What was a major takeaway for you?
CK: Whenever I travel, I feel as though I become a deeper, stronger, more enlightened version of myself. It is truly beautiful to meet new people and explore a new and unknown land. Traveling to India opened my eyes in ways that have impacted me both professionally and personally.
CK: Whenever I travel, I feel as though I become a deeper, stronger, more enlightened version of myself. It is truly beautiful to meet new people and explore a new and unknown land. Traveling to India opened my eyes in ways that have impacted me both professionally and personally.
It has been deeply satisfying to meet and work alongside all of the people who help make our garments. When you sit behind a computer and communicate over e-mail, it becomes easy to forget all of the hands that touch each piece of clothing. However, when you visit you get to meet and smile alongside these beautiful people, from Master G the pattern-maker to the sewer behind an electric machine, to the merchandiser who makes our vision become a reality, each person is a special, vital part of the process.
ER: Travelling to Delhi has taught me how easy it is with kind people to feel at home. After just a few visits, a place that may be halfway around the world can feel familiar. I have learned to be hospitable and how important small gestures can be.
