re:human // a creative studio bringing people together to explore the cultural and political factors that unlock systemic change

Nine years ago, taking our first plunge into the apparel industry with a menswear experiment we called Lazlo, we encountered a burgeoning movement towards transparency and sustainability. We find ourselves increasingly interested in the dynamics that underpin this generational shift.

Dealing with systemic issues requires cross-sector collaboration, yet often they’re examined within industry silos. In apparel, we’ve seen a disconnect between structural problems and the partnerships or skillsets necessary to address them:

• Voluntary commitments to ethical business practices have gotten the ball rolling, but policymakers are largely absent from industry-led conversations. To keep moving forward, opt-in mechanisms need to be combined with regulation that prevents bad actors from continuing with business as usual. 

• Early-stage innovation in the circular economy is funded through structures designed for short-term returns and closely held IP. Entrepreneurs need partnerships with forward-thinking investors and legal counsel to develop structures that facilitate collaboration and encourage longer investment horizons.

Working on deeply entrenched issues takes a toll. Inequality, climate, extremism, the decline in biodiversity—these are challenges unlikely to be resolved in our lifetime. Our progress will be determined by our ability to connect on a human level across divides; trust and empathy mobilize collective action. For leaders driving these efforts, relationships with their peers sustain energy and provide vital insight.

In our own lives, we’ve seen that relationships like these don’t just materialize; they require intention and space to develop. Re:human™ is focused on bringing people together to build the foundation for bold and collaborative solutions.

Cheers,

Update: We are stepping back from re:human while Because Capital requires more of our time, but we look forward to resuming these dinners in late 2023!