Monday, July 12, 2010

Fair trade beauties.....

Recently came across several mentions of the online store "Bhalo". Bhalo is a fair trade organization operating out of Bangladesh, with a mission to provide affordable, handcrafted fashion and empower the artisans as well! Look for yourself...

Gorgeous "Jamdani" print silk scarves....

Love the colors! They're perfect for summer and will transition beautifully into fall...

Love this cotton tunic.


a closer look at the fabric and embroidery.....


Little black tunic anyone? Made of 100% rajashahi silk...



Bhalo's mission statement:  "Our cotton is hand loomed and hand embroidered by women in rural Bangladesh, not only giving them much needed employment and training, but providing them with simple things that we take for granted - education/childcare for their children, basic healthcare, and most of all, dignity. We oppose human exploitation and feel everyone should be given the right to fair employment terms, and given a decent price for their work. Wouldn't you expect the same?"

The ladies who make the magic happen!! :)

(In case you're wondering about the podium-- these ladies won the local "sports day" races- photos from the Bhalo blog).


Visit them here and here to find out more.

5 comments:

  1. OH!! nice!! the work on them is gorgeous.. I'm off to visit them..

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  2. I love anything handmade. we work with housewives in rural areas and know how incredibly talented they are when it comes to embroidery. these are lovely products and great effort as these types of self help organisations actually ehlp them to come out of the vicious circle of poverty. great work GB. very close to my heart too.

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  3. @Patty... :)
    @Sayantani....i totally agree, our artisans are our national treasure...I wish we as Indians would value them more.. :)

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  4. Beautiful work. I just hope that the pricey dresses I saw on bhalo's website means that these truly talented women get their fare share. I know it's fair trade but despite that, I wonder if all fair trades operate equal if you know what I mean! These artists are to be cherished!

    ReplyDelete
  5. @rkramadh: I hope so too(or at least get more than they would make if they had to sell it back home!!)

    ReplyDelete

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