Artisan Fashion: Handcrafted Clothing That Tell Stories Of The Past

Linen Kaftan Dress - Powder Blue

Inspired by my travels to Asia, Jewelled Buddha is off-the-beaten path of fast fashion. As an artisan fashion brand we empower women with slow style that is ethical and handmade. Unlike fast fashion, which exploits workers, depletes resources and pollutes the environment, artisan fashion promotes a more fair and equal exchange of empowering the conscious consumer and the maker. It enables craft communities to thrive by championing heritage crafts and empowers women to escape the poverty trap and overcome social inequalities.

We saw this cute child who stood by a handloom whilst her mother wove colourful cloth in Sengkang, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Just one of the many craft communities I encountered on our travels

The Inspiration Behind Jewelled Buddha

My travels around Asia had a deep impact on how I viewed the world and society. I didn’t know it then, but travel also changed my relationship with fast fashion. The experience of backpacking for a year in my mid-forties, taught me a lot about being grateful for the small things and only wearing what I carried in my back pack. It was liberating stepping out of the comfort zone of consumerism and societal expectations. Overtime I learnt the harsh truths behind how damaging and exploitive the fashion industry is. For me true happiness was exploring the world and the diverse cultures I came across. It was an education in itself and it’s something I don’t take for granted. Whilst travelling, I came across so many small artisan communities. Women sewing in dark rooms in small alleyways in India, Nepalese women weaving yak shawls by mountain roadsides and mothers in Indonesia weaving colourful cloth, whilst their children looked up through the criss-crossed looms. It all made an impact and inspired me to start a business when I returned.

Artisan weaving our Linen Kaftans on a handloom

Handcrafted

All our clothing and accessories are entirely handmade by marginalised or disadvantaged artisans. The majority of these artisans are women, who earn a sustainable income that empowers their financial situations enough to invest and impact their future positively.

Our aesthetic is focussed on relaxed silhouettes, luxurious textiles and handcrafted artisanal design that’s comfortable, practical and multi-functional. They especially speak to those who are well-travelled and love global textiles that carry memories of rich cultures, vibrant colour and artistry. India is the epitome of this and so those who love Indian inspired fashion, will adore our artisanal clothing. Saying that, it’s more than inspired, it’s authentic. There’s no dilution or short cuts in the techniques of how the clothing is made.

I hope that our collections allow consumers to reconnect with their clothes. We’ve all had to unlearn so many behaviours that have been created by fast fashion. The thirst for trends, cheap prices and convenience have distorted our perception of clothing into disposable items that we just don’t care about. I think owning something that has been so thoughtfully crafted, can allow us to really appreciate and care for our clothes. I want women to feel confident and beautiful in clothes that express their values and touch a part of their soul style that’s true to their values and feels good.

The beautiful Marina Forgeron modelling our Linen kaftan kimono on a beach in Bali

My inspiration behind our recent photoshoot

This Summer, I did a mini photoshoot in Bali, showcasing our linen kaftan dresses, recycled sari silk kimono robes and cotton ikat kimonos. There’s a real touch of the wanderlust about the fabrics and it was shot in collaboration with Marina and Luke Forgeron from Forgeron Productions. A great husband and wife team who support sustainable brands with photoshoots and photography in beautiful locations. I really wanted to show the beauty of the handloomed linen kaftans. Uncomplicated in shape yet luxurious in fabric, these linen kaftan dresses are beautifully embellished with shimmering Zari threads woven throughout the fabric for effortless glamour that’s understated. The linen kaftans can be worn as a beach cover up, for sunset strolls, or balmy evening soirees. Semi sheer, they can be dressed up by throwing over a long cotton slip for modesty on nights out during summer holidays or much needed winter sun trips. Adding a belt transforms them into figure hugging dresses.

Marina modelling our vintage sari kimono robes

I also wanted to show the vibrant designs and versatility of the upcycled silk sari kimonos. The silk kimonos combine the traditional shape of the iconic Japanese kimono with the beautiful fabric of handpicked Indian recycled saris. Beautiful inside and out, they feature a double layer of sari silk that’s reversible and coordinates effortlessly with outfits. They’re the perfect gift or silk kimono robe that’s great for lounging at home, weekends away or holidays in the sun.

Luxury lounging - our cotton ikat kimono robes are perfect for home or away

The latest range of cotton Ikat kimonos is a deviation from colour to a more neutral palette of Ivory and Charcoal. Inspired by Japanese Mingei philosophy of simplicity and practicality, these cotton kimonos are hand-dyed and woven by Ikat master artisans in Gujarat. They feature the distinctive blurred Kasuri Ikat design in a timeless style that’s meant for everyday comfort that’s versatile and ideal for lounging at home or away. They also make a beautiful luxury Christmas gift idea for that special woman in your life.

Comment below if you have any questions or shop Jewelled Buddha Click here to find out why fast fashion is a problem.

Credit: Photography Luke Forgeron. Model - Marina Forgeron