Skip to main content

Luke Swanson’s Tripty Project aims to benefit, celebrate Bangladeshi culture

Let’s say for instance you have a hankering for a cheeseburger. Do you opt for a cheap, quickly made option from McDonald’s or would you, perhaps, instead enjoy a handmade, quality-made burger from a lesser known establishment? Obviously for most people, the answer to this question would almost universally point towards the latter of these options. Simply put, people enjoy quality over quantity. So why don’t more people use this line of reasoning for something like the type of clothing or accessories they wear? In time, this is one of the very questions entrepreneur Luke Swanson hopes to answer with his fair trade, responsibly-sourced supply chain company, the Tripty Project.

Following roughly two years of work in the environmental science industry in Bangladesh, Swanson decided he wanted to create something which possessed the ability to make a positive impact on the communities in Bangladesh. After witnessing a number of non-governmental organizations misspending money within the country — and seeing firsthand the kind of fallout created by the horrific Rana Plaza collapse in 2013 — creating positive business was paramount for Swanson.

Tripty3
Image used with permission by copyright holder

“We tried to come up with an idea to work with local organizations that already had a small thing going in the area,” Swanson tells The Manual. “We wanted to make those companies more resilient.”

Recommended Videos

Born from this notion was one of the pillars of the Tripty Project’s entire philosophy, Slow Fashion. A direct response to Fast Fashion — think H&M, Gap, etc. — Swanson intended to avoid pushing out low quality, poorly sourced goods just to save a few cents on each unit. Instead, Swanson and co-founder Brooke McEver wanted to focus on the brand’s process, concentrating on quality of materials and developing something which doesn’t foster continuous consumption. The goal was to create a sustainable company that boosts the culture, society, and environment of Bangladesh for its locals. Today, the duo personally sources the materials used for each project — currently the Tripty Project offers jackets, quilts, and backpacks — and strives to remain as innovative with its use of fabrics as possible.

Related: Portland brands take center stage with MadeHere PDX

Though the concept for the company officially came to be some two and a half years ago, Swanson admits the company has become more formal over the past year and a half. After toying with the branding and developing a sustainable business plan, Swanson and McEver took the Tripty Project to the popular crowdfunding site, Kickstarter. The initial hope was that a project such as theirs would show people an ethical supply chain isn’t entirely far-fetched but rather, completely feasible. Once the Kickstarter campaign came to a close, it had successfully raised over $34k in funding.

Tripty1
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Armed with the funding necessary to bring this concept to a wider audience, as well as a passion for making a genuine difference in a marginalized country like Bangladesh, the Tripty Project achieves goodwill while providing a desirable product. Fast Fashion may have the notoriety today, but once people realize they don’t have to settle for something akin to the fast food of clothing, it’s companies like the Tripty Project that will be waiting there with open arms.

Rick Stella
Rick is a staff writer for The Manual, covering everything from men's fashion and accessories, to the best new brands and…
The L’Aventure Marine Type 3 Chronometer masters land and sea
A 200m water-resistant chronometer with heritage styling, the Marine Type 3 is a diver’s watch with timeless appeal.
LAVENTURE MARINE TYPE 3

The L’Aventure Marine Type 3 Chronometer has thrown its hat into the sea of contenders, meticulously crafted to honor mid-century horology and redesigned for the modern watch aficionado. With a vintage design and masterful engineering, this timepiece merges the gap between classic elegance and contemporary performance.

Designed for the serious collectors who place a high value on both heritage and innovation, the Marine Type 3 features a gradient blue dial inspired by the ocean, paired with vintage luminescent markers for optimal readability. The sleek, tapered lugs offer a comfortable fit, whether on a rugged NATO strap or an elegant leather band. This watch tells time and a story of adventure and timeless craftsmanship.

Read more
I ran 50 miles on roads and trails—how the Craft Nordlite Ultra 2 performed
Is the Craft Nordlite Ultra 2 the only running shoe you need?
Craft Nordlite Ultra 2

When it comes to shoes, runners have almost too many choices. There are daily trainers, speed shoes, trail shoes, plated racers, and more. High-end models start around $150, so building up a “quiver” of footwear requires $300, $450, or more. That can make the simple, refreshing act of running an expensive hobby.

However, some manufacturers produce road-to-trail shoes that can handle both roads and trails, as well as everything in between. One such model is the Craft Nordlite Ultra 2, which features a supercritical midsole and a lugged outsole. I tested it on the roads and trails of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley to answer the question: Is this the only running shoe you need? Read on for my take.

Read more
From Malibu to Porto Cervo, Armani x Kith goes full coastal luxe
Kith, Armani debut a summer-ready collection
man wearing kith x armani tee shirt

When Kith and Giorgio Armani released their first collection together for Fall/Winter 2024, there was no doubt that both brands had nailed the concept of a luxury partnership. Now the two brands are joining forces once more to bring this same luxury feel to the summertime with the second installment of their collaboration. Meant to bridge the luxury of Italy and the modern sophistication of New York, this new collection is ready for wherever the summer may take you. Whether you’re hitting the Italian coast or the streets of New York, this collection embodies the summer of your dreams and an aspirational lifestyle. Besides featuring a series of stylish silhouettes and styles, this collection is also made to be sensible to withstand the summer in Europe or the United States. 

Giorgio Armani and Kith go global with new collection

Read more