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"Success comes to the underdog who doesn't let sleeping dogs lie...
Farm to Fashion
Fashion Meets Agriculture: Where Tradition Fuels Revolution
Welcome to a bold intersection of heritage and innovation, where Southwest Ohio’s soil and creativity collide to shape the future of fashion. At (DE-FI) Global INC, we’re re(DE-FI)ning the fashion industry by merging sustainable fashion agriculture with Midwest textile innovation. Our Farm to Fashion initiative connects farmers, artisans, and designers to build a sustainable, locally-driven fashion pipeline. we’re helping to transform fibers, fields, and dreams into a sustainable revolution—melding agriculture, fashion, and artistry into something bigger than the sum of its parts.
The U.S.silk market is projected to surpass $4 billion by 2029, and Montgomery County’s thriving mulberry trees are poised to anchor a local silk production pipeline. Cotton, expected to be a viable crop in Southwest Ohio by 2050, already generates $120 billion annually for the U.S. economy. And Ohio’s hemp industry? It’s contributing $623 million to the state’s economy, with boundless potential for fiber and fabric production. These aren’t just numbers—they’re opportunities to lead the charge.
But this isn’t just about economic growth; it’s about rewriting the Midwest’s story in the global fashion narrative. As skyrocketing costs drive the industry away from coastal hubs, the heartland is becoming the next frontier. Southwest Ohio, with its rich farmland and collaborative spirit, is ready to lead.
Why Now?
The fashion industry is experiencing a seismic shift. Sustainability isn’t optional; it’s a demand. The Midwest is no longer following trends—it’s setting them. This is the moment to connect farmers, designers, artisans, and innovators in a way that benefits everyone while honoring tradition.
What We’re Building:
This movement isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about changing how it's used and spins. By leveraging the region’s natural assets, we’re creating a sustainable fashion pipeline:
- Mulberry Silk: Cultivating trees to fuel a silk production pipeline, connecting local resources to global demand.
- Hemp: A rising star in sustainable textiles, offering endless possibilities for innovation.
- Cotton: Preparing for its regional return by 2050, creating a pipeline that fuels both fashion and local agriculture.
- Natural Dyes & Beeswax: Transforming flowers, plants, and beeswax into luxury cosmetics and eco-friendly products.
Who We’re Looking For:
This isn’t just for seasoned pros. It’s for anyone willing to dream, disrupt, and build:
- Farmers & Landowners: Ready to cultivate fibers or transform land into thriving production hubs.
- Traditional Artisans: Weavers, spinners, and dyers who carry forward ancient techniques.
- Cosmetic Innovators: Creators crafting sustainable, farm-to-skin beauty products.
- Volunteers & Beginners: Passionate individuals eager to learn and contribute.
Your Invitation to Disrupt:
This is your chance to lead the charge. Whether you’re producing mulberry silk, experimenting with hemp, or creating bold new textiles, you’ll be part of something groundbreaking. Submit your application to join our journey—whether as a farmer, artisan, volunteer, or innovator.
The Southwest Ohio isn’t waiting for permission to lead. Together, we’ll turn untapped potential into unstoppable progress. It’s not just fashion—it’s a movement. Are you in? Get Involved Now!
Image Courtesy of Keba Heitzmen, Innisfree by the Stillwater