gifts made by women

The Pic'bil weaving technique, passed down from generation to generation, decorates this stunning garment with Guatemala's traditional elegance. The Ixbalam Ke Women Weavers show the world their innate talent through this lovely cotton caftan top, whose geometric details made in ginger and ivory hues honor the region's breathtaking landscapes.

The breathtaking lands of Guatemala are the main inspiration for the Ixbalam Ke Women Weavers, who present today a luminous garment embellished with the region's classic Pic'bil weaving technique, dating back to the pre-Columbian era. After weeks of talented work, the final result is this comfy cotton caftan dress made in a graceful ivory hue, whose stunning light adds a celestial vibe to the leafy and geometric details adorning this piece of art.

The Hmong Hill Tribe culture illustrates its love for nature in different accessories proudly worn by its people. With a gorgeous blue shade embellishing the cotton and hemp bodice, this exquisite A-line dress by Thai artisan Chattima features traditional Hmong textiles on the capped sleeves, neckline and pleated skirt. The diverse classic floral motifs are made using a combination of cross-stitch and printed techniques. Each dress is a one off limited edition using unique vintage fabrics.

NOVICA artisan Saktut Raitawati and Threads of Life have collaborated to presented this beautiful kimono. The kimono is made from 100% rayon and woven in East Java. It is naturally dyed by Threads of Life using dye plants from indigo (Strobilanthes cusia) and a mangrove species (Ceriops tegal).

• Eco-friendly fabric dyes produced with all-natural and non-polluting methods; friendly to your skin, the artists, and the earth. Many natural dye plants also have healing properties.
• Sustainable cultivated and harvested plants, to ensure the continuation of the forests and plants that produce leaves, barks, roots, and these beautiful dye colors. These dyes are diligently, responsibly sourced; protecting the forest, livelihood, and traditional rituals of which they are an ancient part.
• Empowering women and protecting families. Generating income for local Indonesian women, farmers, and artisans. When the women can generate income at home, often the men do not have to leave to support their families by working off-island.
• Supporting indigenous communities and traditional weaving and dyeing techniques for over 1000 women on 12 islands across Indonesia.
• Contributing to research and development of new techniques using natural dyes to generate more income for all these people, in the Threads of Life dye studio.
• Treat them with respect and these clothes will be with you for many years. Natural dyes do not like harsh laundry soaps. Dry cleaning recommended, or gently hand wash with very mild PH balanced soap. Dry flat, out of the sun.