For his newest accessory launch, John Bartlett turned to Unshattered.org, a non-profit with the mission of “providing pathways toward sustained sobriety and economic independence” via learning new skills by making handbags.

“I am personally in recovery and have four years of sobriety,” Bartlett said. “When I met the women at Unshattered.org and saw how they were learning to design and manufacture bags, I knew I wanted to somehow partner with them.

“As a person in recovery, I am aligned very closely with organizations that help support people and give them vocational and life skills that keep them from relapsing,” he added. “And honestly, the women creating these bags do incredible work. It’s meticulous and exciting for me to partner with an organization that blends creativity with recovery.”

The bags and other accessories are completely vegan and made with deadstock fabric printed with Bartlett’s signature Tiny Tim camouflage. An animal activist, Bartlett operates the non-profit Tiny Tim Rescue Fund, which raises money for independent rescue groups and shelters. Ten percent of profits from each sale will help local rescue groups “on the ground doing the heavy lifting of finding forever homes for homeless dogs and cats.”

“Because creativity today must be intersectional,” he added, “I wanted to create product that also gives back to the animal rescue community.”

Although the collection will only be available online in the New Year, Bartlett, who serves as Director of the Marist Fashion Program, has already been using the book bag tote and wrist strap cloth, and his favorite piece is a fanny pack. “I am wearing like all the cool kids as a cross body,” he said.

Bartlett will be celebrating the launch with a pop-up event at Cynthia Rowley’s Jay Street store on Dec. 3.

Web: www.johnbartlettny.com; www.dogsavethepeople.com