All your questions answered.

1. Who is behind the Uniform Project?
The people behind the Uniform Project are – Sheena Matheiken, founder and creative director, Eliza Starbuck, dress designer, Jessica Engle, writer and digital strategist, Blue Thomas, technologist, and Lou Sagar, business advisor. These people trickled into the project at different points along Sheena’s creative challenge and all bring unique skills and points of view to the mission. They’ve each been pivotal to the success of Year 1.
2. Are you going to sell the dress?
Yes. We’re looking into finding the right organic fabric and an affordable manufacturer who aligns with our sustainability mission. When the dresses are in market, it will be announced through the U.P site, twitter, facebook and via our email list.
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3. What will you do with all the accessories you have accumulated?
We will be holding an accessories auction towards the close of the project, the proceeds of which will also go towards the Akanksha fund. The auction will be announced through the U.P site, twitter, facebook and via our email list. Sign up for email updates >
4. Are the monetary donations tax deductible?
If you’d like to make a large sum donation and wish to get tax exemptions, we can arrange for a direct donation to Akanksha. To make this happen just drop us an email us at hello@theuniformproject.com
5. I have accessories I want to donate. How do I go about it?
Email us via the ‘Donate Accessories’ section in the top menu. Please be sure to send pictures or a link so we can take a look. Due to Sheena’s limited closet space, we won’t be able to accept all donations but we try our best to accommodate as many offers as possible. We encourage items that are pre-owned, used, vintage, home-spun, eco-friendly or crafted by you or another local artist.
NOTE! We currently have no more room for jewelry donations. Sheena is currently looking for winter layering garments such as sweaters, scarves, hats, vests, blouses, belts, pants and shoes.
6. How do I donate to your cause?
Click on the ‘MAKE A DONATION‘ button to the left, or click on the ‘Donate to the Cause‘ link in the top menu. Paypal guarantees a safe and secure transaction and we keep your contact information private and protected.
7. Are you trying to raise money through other avenues other than the website?
We hold occassional Uniform Project fundraiser events in New York City, where we are based. But the primary channel for this fundraiser will be donations made by the public through this website. We are also looking into acquiring sponsors and investors to support our mission and boost our fundraiser. If you or your company is interested in supporting the Uniform Project, please email us.
8. How did you learn about Akanksha? Where can I learn more?
A friend of Sheena’s in Mumbai who had volunteered at Akanksha introduced her to the foundation last year. Sheena met the founder of Akanksha, Shaheen Mistri, at a fundraiser event last winter and learned more about the revolutionary educational work they do with children living in Indian slums. She then proposed the Uniform Project as a fundraising idea and they were amused and offered up all support. If you would like to get directly involved with Akanksha, visit www.akanksha.org
9. What’s the little black gadget in Sheena’s hand in all the pictures?
That’s a wireless remote she shoots the dailies with.
10. Do you wear the dress all day long or just for the shoot?
Sheena wears them all day long, to work and to play. Occasionally some of the layers may come off during the course of the day. But the dress is always on, all day, everyday.