Turn Black - Artisans Relief Fund

What is the mission of your company or project?

Turn Black is a young fashion label that started operations in Delhi only two years ago in 2018. We are the only all-black clothing line in all of India and our mission is to turn into a completely sustainable and ethical brand by the end of 2020. 

While every other brand is doing the same thing as the other, we took a step back and decided to march on in our own direction with intuition commanding us at every step along the way. Turn Black recognizes individual rhythm and style, and believes in staying hidden away, through the absence of color. 

Our efforts are aimed towards gearing up for the future as we do know that business will not be as usual, after all this is over. And even then, it could take too long to rebuild what got us this far in the first place. 

Describe the problem you are solving. 

In view of the global pandemic and its after-effects that have devastated both, the fashion industry at large and the workers and artisans involved, we are hopeful in keeping a positive attitude to turn the tide by humbly asking for support. 

The imposed lockdown in India has left many workers, artisans and wage earners zero means to get through the day. We have a total number of 50 workers and rentals whom we look up to and need to support financially, inspite of making no sales, which is about $ 13500 per month. Furthermore, in the face of order cancellations, it has become more and more difficult to support our team members. 

This ordeal led us here. We intend to raise enough funds to prevent causing further devastation by laying off our very skilled and talented workforce. We do not want things to come to that. Instead, we want to do everything we can to provide them the security they need in these trying times. 

What is your company/product about and how does it solve the problem? 

We believe in the ideals of slow fashion. That means we make clothes keeping in mind the concepts of Comfort, Longevity and Versatility. The three pillars of our creations that take us in the direction of becoming a more conscious brand. We also believe in fair wages and providing a safe and sound environment for our workers and artisans. To retain transparency on the ethical side of things, we have our workshop and studio operating out of the same building where people are free to barge in to take a peek at the work in progress. 

By way of crowdfunding, we will be able to provide the basic essentials and security to our workers and engage in making our future goals a reality. For instance, we look forward to integrating the upcoming streetwear trends like masks into our production process in view of the current shortages and need of the hour. 

Why are you seeking funding and how will you spend the funding?

Turn Black is a small team consisting of young and talented individuals and a group of men and women workers who we greatly value for they are the ones who really make our clothes, and do all the groundwork. 

As the news about the extended lockdown has been officially announced to go on until the month May, with a possibility of further extension, we are seeking a way to raise enough funds to enable our company to survive through the next couple of months (April, May, and June) and to ecstatically rise to see the break of day as the curfew lifts. 

The funding will help mitigate the financial damage caused to our small staff, workers and artisans who work so hard to make our clothes - the most cherished members of our company who are hit the hardest. 

Any amount that we are able to raise through this funding will be greatly appreciated and valued for life!