ALTAR NEW ORLEANS
Rising up out of the magic, artistry, and decadent costume culture of New Orleans, ALTAR beckons to the inner witch or mystic in all of us.
Designed with the intent to transport you into a world where creativity thrives, ALTAR allows you to celebrate and support local artistry through the simple act of getting dressed.
Know that every stitch is imbued with a unique feminist alchemy, sewn by loving hands right here in the heart of New Orleans.
ALTAR'S VALUES
Elegantly weaving together divine, floaty shapes with commanding, feminine lines, ALTAR is your new favorite ritual. ALTAR uses the most luxurious feeling fabrics so you can look divine while being cloaked in pure comfort.
As well as being designed to fit, feel, and look like each piece was made especially for you, ALTAR also takes tremendous pride in our mission to champion artists. Through close collaboration with a variety of artists based right here in New Orleans, we create one-of-a-kind fabric prints that are elegantly incorporated into many of our alluring designs. We believe that sustainability starts with paying our artists fairly – 50% of profits from each sale goes directly to the featured artist. Be sure to visit our Featured Artist Page to learn more about the artists we work with.
Altar believes in incorporating feminist alchemy into all of our practices. That means tapping into our personal powers to create a more enchanting world for everyone. It is essential that this includes practices that support racial and social justice. All profits from mask sales are split 50/50 between the featured artist and a social justice organization of their choice, including The Southern Poverty Law Center, BreakOUT!, and Women with a Vision. Founder Ryn Wilson has personally donated to a number of organizations as well. Please consider supporting some of the same groups who are fighting hard for a more equitable society...Black Lives Matter, Operation Restoration, Birthmark Doulas, and Sister Hearts Thrift Store.
SUSTAINABILITY;
ALTAR is a woman-run slow fashion brand made by hand in New Orleans. We approach every aspect of the business with the goal of minimizing waste. All of our clothing is made-to-order locally, at a fair wage. Packaging is minimal, and all shipping materials are recycled, recyclable, or repurposed. Local orders are hand delivered when possible to help reduce our carbon footprint. We utilize digital printing technologies which create less water waste than traditional methods. Our aim is to be continuously shifting towards more environmentally responsible production methods and socially minded business practices. Choosing ALTAR means you can feel good about what you’re wearing, while still owning pieces that are vibrant, hand washable, and long lasting.
RYN WILSON
OWNER/DESIGNER
Ryn is the owner, designer, and seamstress, behind ALTAR. She has been creating under the label ALTAR since 2010, when she moved to the magnificent city of New Orleans. The name was inspired by the mysticism and originality that seep from every corner of this great city. In 2019, ALTAR was reimagined into a brand of alchemical garments that promote feminism while featuring and supporting local artists. She has a strong connection to the New Orleans arts scene and collaborates with local artists to create the beautiful textile designs you see in the line. Her background in visual arts brings this passion into all aspects of the Altar brand. See her visual art at www.RynWilson.com and her collaborative performance group at www.CrystalEfemmes.com.