Today we are talking about SYMBOLOGY.
You probably know by now that I love fashion. It is most definitely a passion of mine. I love it, I love it, I love it! Symbology clothes are completely adorable, and have SUCH a wide variety of looks. Founded by Marissa Heyl, a new friend of mine, in 2011, Symbology truly does make Fair Trade sexy.
(Marissa, holding up a shift dress from the Peacocks and Paisleys collection)
Symbology works with four different artisan groups in India: Bagru Textiles, the Panchachuli Women Weavers, Kilmora, and the Varanasi Weavers. "Located in various regions of India, these four artisan groups provide both physical textiles and a humanistic spirit embedded in Symbology’s designs."
One of the things about Symbology's clothing is that all of the collections are HANDPRINTED!
Bagru Textiles creates the block print designs that were used in the "Peacocks and Paisleys" Collection!
From Symbology: "The people of Bagru, a small town located outside of Jaipur, have specialized in block printing for centuries. The chippas, also known as the traditional block printing craftsmen in Indian society, have sustained this ancient art form and brought their expertise into the modern world. Today, the artisans of Bagru Textiles create fabrics printed in motifs with eco-friendly dyes, reflecting Symbology’s dedication to caring for the world and to telling the world’s stories through symbols."
The Panchachuli Women Weavers and Kilmora artisan groups are the ones that create Symbology's beautiful cloth! Below is an excerpt with more information about both artisan groups,
From Symbology: "Up in the Kumaon region of northern India, situated amid the beauty of the Panchachuli mountain range and the Himalayas, the Panchachuli Women Weavers use their skills to create hand-woven wool for Symbology’s collections. The Panchachuli Women Weavers is a cooperative composed of more than 800 women from at least thirty-two different villages in the Kumaon area. These female artisans use raw materials, such as India’s famed pashmina wool and vegetable dyes, to create high-quality wool. Not only do the Panchachuli Women Weavers craft beautiful wool, but they are also determined to craft better lives for themselves by gaining financial independence and reinvesting in their local communities, goals Symbology fully supports.
Also located in the Kumaon region of northern India is Kilmora, another Symbology partner that provides hand-woven wool. Kilmora is a not-for-profit organization that encourages economic growth and reinvestment in the community on behalf of its artisans. These artisans craft the pure and blended wools for Symbology’s designs....The artisans of Kilmora then use their steady incomes for good, building health care facilities and providing resources for their local school systems.
Varanasi Weavers, "an organization dedicated to perpetuating the traditional art of hand weaving on looms," creates the silk brocade for Symbology designs.
Each collection is unique, such as "Peacocks and Paisley" and "Elephant Love." Looks are below!
Left: The Birds Party Dress- $112.00One of my favorite dresses, the Birds Party Dress can be dressed up or down! For a nicer occasion, I would pair with some nude heels and a chunky necklace! For a regular day, I'd add some black bootie heels like pictured, and add some big dangley earrings!
Right: The Birds Wrap Dress- $136.00
Left: Circle Peacock Wrap Dress- $149.00.00
Love how it is paired with that adorable floppy hat!
Right: Circle Peacock Shift Dress- $160.00
I am so excited to wear this scarf this Fall and Winter!
Right: High Slit Maxi Dress- $120.00
Left: The Birds Clutch in Raspberry- $30.00
These clutches are so perfect for a night out!
Right: Circle Peacock Clutch in Mustard- $30.00
Left: Peekaboo Paisley Cocktail Dress in Crimson & Gold- $200.00
Crimson and Gold dress would be super cute with some gold heels and a chunky bangle!
Right: Peekaboo Paisley Cocktail Dress in Lavender- $250.00
As you can see, Symbology clothes are completely fabulous and support multiple artisan groups in India! Now that is MY kind of fashion!!
Here's a short video featuring some of Symbology's artisans and how block printing works!
I really hope that all of you will go check out Symbology on their Facebook page, Instagram, the whole shabang! Go to http://symbologyclothing.com/ to buy some of their gorgeous Fair Trade clothing items, and to read more about the awesome work they are doing in India!
Hey look, it's me! I'm wearing the Circle Peacock shift dress, featured above!
If you are a Triangle local (Durham, Raleigh, Chapel-Hill), you can find Symbology dresses, clutches and scarves at One World Market, Durham's ONLY non-profit Fair Trade store!
Fair Trade love ALWAYS,
catie
Thank you so much! xo
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