Studio Naenna & Weavers for the Environment

Making the most of a precious opportunity often necessitates changing hats several times a day. Recent weeks keep me busy volunteering alongside Jenny Willett, a professional knitter from London and Ms. Lamorna Cheesman, the director of Studio Naenna. Working as a textile stylist, photographer, and writer for their new website, I also consult for them to actively market and advertise their products. Despite a decrease in sales since 9/11, Studio Naenna enjoys an international reputation for luxurious, high quality silk and cotton garments and accessories for men and women, textile furnishings, and art. Much of its inventory is masterfully handwoven by experts who are proud of their work and have earned a better life for themselves and their families in it. While learning about dye-production, dyeing, weaving and designing first hand, we gain insight into the local community and the functions of a small, family-run business with respect for fair trade ethics and the environment. As part of our volunteer work, we intend to diversify the product line. I've introduced the gallery to a few vehicles for web-advertising through social media sites in order to reach younger customers and more of the studio's mature and discerning clientele (mostly western expats and Japanese tourists). This is critical since Weavers for the Environment rely on Studio Naenna to sell their work. I am enthusiastic to conduct interviews with the weavers and research more about textile & trade history while I assist in planning and curating an exhibition of the founder's's antique collection at the gallery. This week, Jenny and I attempt to set a new standard for commercial textile photography and utilize photoshop for careful editing. We're learning to distinguish fibers, dyes, and motifs just by looking and to the touch.