Wilson College enters into a comprehensive partnership with renowned culinary expert, Stephen Satterfield, from the show "High on the Hog".
Introducing Comoco: A Black-Owned Apparel Line Embracing North Carolina's Heritage
Stephen Satterfield, a renowned figure in the food and wine industries, has ventured into a new endeavour with the launch of his apparel line, Comoco. This groundbreaking brand, conceived during the filming of his docuseries "High on the Hog", is making waves for its commitment to a fully North Carolina-sourced supply chain[1][3].
Comoco's inception is the result of an ambitious undertaking spanning three-and-a-half years, supported by a multi-faceted partnership with the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State[1]. This collaboration is rooted in Satterfield's personal connection with the history of cotton and African American heritage, aiming to transform a history marked by trauma into one of empowerment and legacy[1].
At the heart of Comoco's supply chain are Black farmers in North Carolina, such as the Moore family, who are directly showcased as part of the supply narrative[2]. Every aspect of production—from milling to knitting, cutting, and sewing—is carried out within the state, making Comoco one of the closest things to a Black-owned-and-grown supply chain[1][3].
The partnership with Wilson College of Textiles extends beyond product development, supporting technical innovation and local industry growth aligned with Comoco’s vision[1]. NC State's Zeis Textiles Extension (ZTE) provided assistance, while the Textile Innovation Engine offered valuable insights from Satterfield's Whetstone Media company[1].
The launch of Comoco on Juneteenth, a significant date in African American history, symbolises the brand's commitment to celebrating and uplifting Black heritage[1]. Satterfield's vision for Comoco goes beyond just a clothing line, as he hopes it will serve as a launching pad for a new kind of textiles business and a long-term partnership with the college[1].
In a fireside chat hosted by Friends of the Libraries, Satterfield spent nearly 90 minutes speaking to students and staff, sharing his vision for applying the concept of "farm-to-table" to textiles, an industry long plagued by offshoring and disregard for where products are made[1].
Satterfield's collaboration with the Wilson College made perfect sense, offering a fresh perspective on the textiles sector from his background in the food and wine industries[1]. The college's extensive ties to the North Carolina textiles supply chain expanded Satterfield's personal network, with Melissa Sharp, associate director of ZTE, among the first to connect with him and help him navigate the industry[1].
ZTE regularly helps alumni and entrepreneurs with textile ideas, providing introductions, technical support, and know-how as part of their extension mission[1]. Satterfield served as the guest judge for the college's annual entrepreneurship competition, Pitch to the Pack[1], further solidifying his commitment to supporting and fostering growth in the local textiles sector.
In summary, Comoco represents a meaningful integration of heritage, local sourcing, and textile expertise, breaking new ground in Black-owned apparel with a truly regional supply chain. By focusing on reclaiming African American-grown cotton and partnering with the Wilson College of Textiles, Comoco is not just a clothing line—it's a movement.
[1] - NC State News [2] - Indy Week [3] - Triangle Business Journal
- Stephen Satterfield's apparel line, Comoco, is a black-owned brand that emphasizes a fully North Carolina-sourced supply chain.
- The three-and-a-half-year endeavor to create Comoco was facilitated by a partnership with Wilson College of Textiles at NC State.
- The collaboration with Wilson College of Textiles encompasses product development, technical innovation, and local industry growth.
- Comoco's manufacturing facilities in North Carolina involve processes such as milling, spinning, knitting, cutting, and sewing.
- The brand aims to empower black heritage by directly featuring black farmers in its supply chain, such as the Moore family.
- The business model of Comoco extends beyond apparel, with Satterfield envisioning it as a catalyst for innovation in the textile and fashion sectors.
- Satterfield's vision for Comoco aligns with the concept of "farm-to-table," aiming to address the offshoring issues prevalent in the textiles industry.
- The Wilson College of Textiles offers support and guidance to entrepreneurs looking to develop textile businesses, as demonstrated by its collaboration with Satterfield and Comoco.
