If you ever want to unravel the mystery of where your clothes or accessories come from, all you have to do is glance at the grassroots level. And that’s exactly what designer Payal Singhal wants you to do with her latest collaboration. Joining hands with Desai Foundation—which empowers women and children through community programs in the U.S. and India—the designer has launched an exclusive Payal Singhal x Desai Foundation collection.
The highlight of this range are the soft bags—overnight bags, totes and make up kits, all in her signature prints—which have been hand embroidered, sewn and finished by rural women in Valsad, Gujarat. These women are part of the Desai Foundation Vocational Sewing Program, and have been specially trained to create high quality products.
“For years, I’ve been wanting to work with a charity I believed in and who worked with women. When I met Megha Desai, President of the Desai Foundation, I knew instantly that this was the project I had to get involved with,” says Payal. The designer, who wanted to do more than simply donate money, is now happy that is working directly with the rural women. “The Desai Foundation tailor-made this programme for us wherein we create jobs for the women by having them manufacture the bags and travel pouches we are selling,” she explains.
For every bag that is sold, part of the proceeds go towards the foundation. This means that not only are these women finding financial independence, but they are also being empowered with livelihoods. Looks like a win-win to us.
Her new collection also sees the launch of a kid’s wear line, occasion wear, men’s wear accessories and stationery. Swipe through the gallery to see the range:
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