In September of this year, the Peruvian knitting workshop of Solid had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Madeline Butel, Founder and Creative Director of Walking Protest. Madeline's visit was an exciting moment for us, as she travelled all the way from Australia for her first in-person meeting with our Peruvian team.
Walking Protest has been a valued client, collaborating with us on 100% organic cotton products, including hand-knitted, crocheted, and embroidered pieces. The brand is highly committed to transparency at every stage of production, with their organic cotton grown, spun, botanically dyed, and crafted entirely in Peru. At Walking Protest, the focus isn’t just on creating clothing; it's about disrupting the conventional fashion industry and promoting sustainable, circular solutions. We couldn’t be more thrilled to exchange ideas with a brand that aligns so closely with our values.
As described on their website, their first collection, Lessons from Gardens, challenges the conventions of fashion, but sees it's potential at the same time "Fashion has the ability to destroy ecosystems, treat people unjustly, deplete soils, and pollute waterways, but it also has the power to restore ecosystems, provide safe and fair working conditions, enrich soils, and protect waterways.”.
After the trip we asked Madeline to share some of her reflections about the visit, we're excited to share!
Connecting with the Hands and Hearts Behind the Collection
During her visit, Madeline had the chance to meet the incredible artisans behind Walking Protest's first collection, Lessons from Gardens. As we walked through the workshop, we asked Madeline what the visit meant for her and her brand. She shared, "For me, Walking Protest (WP) is not just about clothing; it’s about the people, the Earth, and the stories woven into each piece. This experience, especially visiting the workshop, deepened my understanding of what WP stands for and how closely it aligns with Solid International's mission.”
She was also very moved by the stories of the women she met and how their journeys have shaped the products she proudly offers through her brand. "Meeting the women behind the products we make was incredible. Each stitch tells a story, and every piece is filled with heart and soul. These experiences give me the energy and motivation to keep pushing for a better future."
Small Actions with Big Impacts
Madeline visited our main workshop in Ayacucho, as well as some of our rural hubs. As her visit came to a close, we were eager to hear about the moments that moved her the most during her time with us. "I was deeply touched by how many lives Solid’s projects have transformed," she shared. "Their dedication to fair working conditions and sustainable fashion is inspiring. The heart of Solid’s mission gives me hope for the future of fashion, people, and our Earth. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges we face, but Solid proves that small actions can make a massive impact."
At Solid, we are committed to making a difference. We share her belief that small actions can lead to significant change. Every time we host someone as passionate as Madeline, we are reminded that our work truly matters.
Solid