E8: Thread Together Transforms: Anthony Chesler

Today, we are thrilled to introduce a remarkable guest whose work embodies our mission to tackle fashion excess and celebrate sustainable fashion. Anthony Chesler, the CEO of Thread Together, joins us to share his insights and the impactful work his organisation is doing.Thread Together is dedicated to addressing the issue of fashion excess by collecting end-of-line brand new stock from fashion retailers and redistributing it to people in need. By keeping clothing in circulation and out of landfills, they are making significant strides in both social and environmental realms.Anthony's leadership has been instrumental in driving this mission forward, ensuring fashion waste is minimised and that those in need have access to essential clothing. Today, we will highlight his inspiring work and discuss how, together, we can promote ethical fashion and support those in need.About Thread TogetherThread Together is an organisation tackling fashion excess and clothing insecurity by redistributing new clothing to those in need. The organisation was founded in 2012 and has since grown to become Australia's most ethical response to fashion excess. Thread Together works with over 2,000 fashion brands and retailers who donate their excess clothing. The clothing is then distributed to registered charities and welfare agencies across the country through various channels, including an online store, mobile wardrobes, clothing hubs, and wardrobe services in women's shelters.Key InitiativesOnline Store: Thread Together operates an online store where registered charities can access clothing for their clients.Mobile Wardrobes: Bringing clothing directly to communities in need, mobile wardrobes make it easier for people to receive essential items.Clothing Hubs: Established hubs where individuals can select clothing in a dignified manner.Women's Shelters: Providing wardrobe services in shelters to support women in vulnerable situations.Volunteer SupportThe organisation relies on the support of volunteers who contribute their time and skills to help sort, pack, and distribute the clothing. Volunteers are the backbone of Thread Together's operations, ensuring that clothing reaches those who need it most efficiently and effectively.Future GoalsThread Together aims to scale up its operations, de-risk its dependency on traditional philanthropy, implement circular solutions to fashion excess, and advocate for reduced overproduction. The organisation believes that increased accountability and visibility of aged inventory in the fashion industry can lead to positive change.TakeawaysRedistributing New Clothing: Thread Together redistributes new clothing to those in need, tackling fashion excess and clothing insecurity.Collaborations: The organisation works with over 2,000 fashion brands and retailers who donate their excess clothing.Distribution Channels: Clothing is distributed through various channels, including an online store, mobile wardrobes, clothing hubs, and wardrobe services in women's shelters.Volunteer Role: Volunteers play a crucial role in sorting, packing, and distributing the clothing.Future Plans: Thread Together aims to scale up its operations, reduce dependency on traditional philanthropy, implement circular solutions to fashion excess, and advocate for reduced overproduction.Connect with Thread Together:Website: https://threadtogether.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThreadTogether/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thread_together/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thread-together/ Connect with Vanessa Bell:Website:  www.vanessa-bell.comSign up to the Vanessa Bell Newsletter: Join The FlockEmail:  [email protected]: @fashiontofarmerLinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/X: @FashionToFarmerSubscribe: Help build our community, subscribe and leave a lovely review. ✨Credits:Host: Vanessa Bell, Eco-Entrepreneur, Sustainability Advocate & Champion of Australian Merino WoolProducer: Bogdan Bratis, Saspod Productions UKFashion To Farmer acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast, the Kamilaroi people of the Kamilaroi Nation in New South Wales, Australia. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We further extend our respect to the people of the Biripi Nation on which we live and work.