We are an ethical accessories company dedicated to bridging the gap between high fashion and traditional ethical offerings; producing entirely handmade, high quality bags and accessories, designed in Britain and created in Calcutta, West Bengal.
The East Indian 'City of Culture' is close to our heart; today the population exceeds 15 million and poverty is a major problem for a great many of its inhabitants. We want to help.
Through raising awareness of the importance of ethical fashion by utilising and promoting a sustainable business model, which in turn creates jobs and empowers those involved in the production of our collection, we aim to change the current perception of ethical goods and make a difference to people's lives. Ethical fashion can, and should, be elegant, chic and desirable.
Fundamentally committed to social change, we combine the best of UK design talent with the promotion of age-old Indian craftsmanship and artisan skills. In doing so, we support and champion marginalised producer groups to ensure that those who create our products receive both a fair wage and a healthy, happy working environment.
We are extremely proud to be working with our manufacturing partner. Adhering to ethical business practices and being accredited by international bodies, which they are*, is of course essential but it is our manufacturer's genuine warmth and positivity that inspires us. More than just producers; they are our friends.
Our products are not only unique in design but also, and crucially, in the story behind them. We don't ask that you compromise your social or style standards. We wouldn't. We quite simply bring you an ethical alternative to the things you love and an opportunity for a brighter, more secure future to those who deserve it the most.
We hope you love our products as much as we do. Thank you for your support
Naomi Cornelius-Reid
Founder *Our manufacturer is a 'not for profit' organisation and a founding member of the Fair Trade Forum India and a member of IFAT- the World Fair Trade Organization.
A couple of reasons why we love our manufacturer so much…
- In a male dominated society, they have a woman in charge. She's incredible.
- All materials are sourced in West Bengal and of the highest possible quality, from butter soft buffalo hides, to rich, hand-loomed silks.
- They partner and support over 26 grass roots producer groups, many rurally based, providing an important source of income to the individuals and their families through the sale of their crafts whilst sustaining and nurturing their age-old artisan skills.
- Everyone is treated as equal; one of the packing team is the only counter signatory to the MD.
- Every woman in our Quality Control room was chosen not only because of her skill but beacuse she is the only bread winner in the family. The majority are widowed and support the entire extended family single handedly.
- There is an amazing team spirit and working environment- the yearly company away week, where all 40 HQ employees travel to the coast to sing and dance and relax together must be something to do with it…
- Everyone is encouraged to learn new skills and develop their careers. Anyone can use factory equipment out of hours to work on their own projects.
- It's a relatively small company and we've gotten to know everyone on first name terms, including all the wonderful hand picked artisan suppliers they partner with and have been genuinely touched by people's stories, warmth and willingness to go the extra mile for us.
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