Read: INVENTORY. Apolis Activism + Rapha. The Transit Elite Sweater
Apolis Activism + Rapha - Photographer Jeff Clark
After finishing their cashmere collection with Citta Himalaya this autumn Apolis Activism began working on a spring cashmere offering. They felt that a consistent relationship with their development partners was the only way to ensure a real impact for a developing economy. Knowing cashmere was a tough spring sell, they admitted to an American overdose and decided to try a new route with a focus on their fascination for cycling. With Nepal being one of the world's capitals for adventure cycling, the stars began to align.
This led Apolis to seek out Slate Olsen, Rapha's General Manager of North America. They shared their cashmere merino yarn source and the hand knit story of Citta's women center and the classic Himalayan cycling terrain. Slate was intrigued by the project and agreed to help curate the perfect reward after a long ride - the Transit Elite Sweater.
An excerpt from the Aolis Activism Journal during the trip to Nepal:
A lack of sleep, cold at night, customs stress and exciting food caught up with me this morning. Aching. I did my best to be the fifth body too many into the taxi for a quick ride to Yeti Airways' office for tomorrow's short day trip into the mountains. With a false alarm 'Bandh' transportation strike - the rest of the group easily made it through town to find the perfect stocking stuffers for family awaiting their return this Saturday. While a couple of just realized that we have to push our tickets to December 16th as customs extended a creative surprise. Falling asleep with all my clothes, three blankets, and a few midnight bathroom runs - was a Nepal night to remember.
- Shea Parton, 00-12-09
Apolis knew something was missing after laying out the production plan: hand knit the sweater in Kathmandu's Citta Co-op with a RiRi quarter zip and a perfect balance of 70% merino and 30% cashmere. Then they realized the potential of documenting the manufacturing process and helping to promote Nepal's tourism by showcasing a ride of a lifetime.
After spending the last 16 days in Nepal working on this project it has been a privilege to work with Rapha says Shea of Apolis Activism. "Sharing the daily rewards and nightmare of connecting a developing economy to the marketplace with a product and story has been an incredible process."
One of the woman at Kathmandu's Citta Co-op putting the final thread through the Transit Elite.
The Transit Elite Sweater
The journey through Nepal just recently finished up the last leg as the soft goods are getting ready for spring. The aesthetic of both brands involved were able to meld perfectly together to create a special product. The Transit Elite sweater feels like a pure and natural product, and combined with the love for cycling it really completes the entire package and leave us wanting one this spring.
APOLIS ACTIVISM + RAPHA - 09
