MEET THE FOUNDERS

Amanda Laird Cherry and Lisa Thompson first met in 2015 and quickly bonded over the importance of positive community impact and social justice. They shared a similar aesthetic and love for culture, sports & travel, shared a deep connection for South Africa and an admiration for Nelson Mandela’s work leading change in effort to improve unity & equality in society. Lisa had just returned to the States after a consulting project with the Mandela Rhodes Foundation in Cape Town, and Amanda, South Africa born & raised and a renowned fashion designer in South Africa; was now living in the States with her family.

Lisa learned about Amanda’s aesthetic, her soul as a designer, her focus on sustainability, building community and her incredible work of story-telling through thread and cloth. Amanda learned about Lisa’s passion & work in social justice and sports and was intrigued by her graduate thesis about creating cultural change. She deeply respected Lisa’s career and commitment to young people and those in need.

Both women share a belief that committed citizens can align together to change the world.

“WE WANTED TO BE A GROUP OF COMMITTED CITIZENS THAT WANTED TO DO REALLY GOOD THINGS IN THE WORLD AND MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT IN AN INDUSTRY THAT HAS LONG BEEN KNOWN TO BE ONE OF THE WORST & WE WANTED TO CHANGE THE WAY BUSINESS WAS DONE IN THAT SPACE.”
-LISA THOMPSON & AMANDA LAIRD CHERRY

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Fashion Designer of the Year at the 2019 World Fashion Awards in London

ChangeMaker Award at the Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards in Cape Town

Finalist for the Fair Lady Magazine’s Catherine Award and Marie Claire (South Africa) with the Prix D’excellence de la Mode for Best Designer

Received recognition from Time Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Graza, WGSN, Collezioni (Italy), Trace (New York), Sarie Magazine and Elle (South Africa)

BACKGROUND | BEHIND HER WORK

  • Born in Cape Town. Raised in Durban, South Africa
  • 1983- Graduated with a degree in fashion design at Durban University of Technology
  • 1984- Director at Instinct, internationally recognized surf and sportswear brand
  • 1996- Began supplying and designing for the Durban Designer Emporium and showcasing her collections at the South African Fashion Week
  • 2000- Co-Founder of The Space stores, housing South African designers collections, all totally produced in South Africa
  • Currently owns 10 stores
  • Recognized named throughout South Africa and the globe

Amanda Laird Cherry has devoted 30+ years in sustainable efforts that positively impact people and the environment.She tells important stories about society and culture. She is mindful of the fabric choices, ethical labor practices, extent of up-cycling, reduction of waste and use of non-toxic dyes.

Cherry has actively sought to make significant changes in her manufacturing process to ensure textile waste is minimized and locally made fabric is used.