R-I has a vision for world-wide change by supporting and creating employment-based solutions called Social Enterprises. G.E.A.R. (Go! Everyone, Everywhere and Re-Invent) is our effort to play a role in breaking the chains of poverty here at home. G.E.A.R. is a collection of Re-Invented, re-cycled and re-purposed home accents, furnishings, and other goods that serve a bigger purpose than just gorgeous additions to rooms in a home. These “beautiful works of art” begin with up-cycled, burlap coffee bean sacks paired with remnant and re-cycled fabrics, in crisp cotton, vintage or luxe, that look stunning against the rawness of the burlap. G.E.A.R. connects consumers to the lives of those our goods represent and exhibits just how simple it can be for anyone to be a part of changing the world!
G.E.A.R. is R-I’s initiative to “Re-Invent” where we live. Years ago Owner/Founder, Kellie Guthrie, made the decision that she would no longer “just work”, but serve through her work. Although G.E.A.R. was formed to create jobs, all of our goods are made with the hope of expanding the base of who our net-profits will serve. Our first partnership is with the homeless at Friendship Mission in Montgomery, Alabama, where women and men learn to cut, sew, and create with the ultimate goal of arming them with the necessary skills and confidence to work with us or seek other employment. Through this initial partnership we are creating opportunities for work that promote the sustainability of our world and the lives of those who live in it. We have begun to live our dream to serve by providing love and compassion for our neighbor-whether right next door or halfway around the world.
Design Philosophy
Our Design Philosophy is sustainability, texture, color...and more color! We are inspired by the beautiful colors and moods of the world we live in and desire to translate the lives of those we serve into every piece we create. Our goal is to make it “here” while including fabrics and parts from “there”- wherever “there” may be. By taking materials most would discard and mixing them with a lot of hope, something of truth and beauty emerges! Due to the sustainability component, all of our goods are One Of A Kind or Limited Editions. Every piece we create is also transitional and can move from room to room with ease...transitioning from living room to bedroom, dining room to porch.
True Value
True Value is a vital component in every piece of the G.E.A.R. collection. We do this by keeping our prices as affordable as possible. Ultimately, we want the story told. Our hope is that our buyers and their customers get to know the organizations and ministries we work with. One of our top priorities is to provide sustainable employment, and to accomplish this we need to sell what we make and, most importantly, allow people to be a part of a much bigger story!
2012 Spring/Summer Lookbook
click on this link to take a peek
If you like what you see, check out "Where To Find It". If you're interested in carrying G.E.A.R. in your store email us at comereinvent@gmail.com
