"1963 aims to fight conventional unethical business practices carried in the fashion industry, by always prioritizing human dignity and rights over all."
It all started in the Summer of 2022, when I decided to take on a solo expedition into the rural areas of Cambodia. Between the stunning redsunsets, killer food, historic nature of the town, and of course the vibrant people it didn't take long for me to fall in love with this place.
"Eat at a local restaurant tonight. Get the cream sauce. Have a cold pint at 4 o’clock in a mostly empty bar. Go somewhere you’ve never been. Listen to someone you think may have nothing in common with you. Order the steak rare. Eat an oyster. Have a negroni. Have two. Be open to a world where you may not understand or agree with the person next to you, but have a drink with them anyways. Eat slowly. Tip your server. Check in on your friends. Check in on yourself. Enjoy the ride."
-Anthony Bourdain
One day,
I rented a dollar bike that maybe had a maximum capacity speed of seven miles per hour and booked it south along the Siem Reap River...
I came across a local fisherman named Phon, whose enthusiasm and curiosity had simply captured the love that I had experienced throughout the entirety of Cambodia. Despite his financial struggles, he welcomed me into his home for a beer and some local delicacy. A beer soon turned into a dozen, while strangers an hour ago soon turned into lots of smiles, laughs, and even tears. He expressed gratitude regarding every small position he has from his Samsung S3 to his prized Honda SL230 moppet. Though his prioritization over family and community was a sort of passion I had never experienced before. Despite his financial situation, he had adopted two additional orphans children and welcomed me into his despite not having any cash on me. He outlined the values in his life, and expressed his lack of monetary goods was fulfilled by love around him. In this part of town death had become a commonality and lower respiratory infections had plagued the community.
Sadly,
In October of 2022, Cambodia was hit with a devastating flood which has impacted 70,000 people and displaced 1700 families for evacuation. Included in that statistic was Phon and his family. The Monsoon had completely flooded his house and forced them out of their house in Siem Reap.
Our goal,
Here at 1963, we are pledging 1% of our annual sales to help Phon rebuild his community and to get him any sort resources necessary for him to get back on his feet. This is our way of putting our money where our mouth is in terms of pledging resources to combat selfish ambitions and support a cause that is far more important than our brand.