Bachhara clothing is blissful in its design. “We begin like most other designers, by collecting inspirational images, colours and fabrics,” says Natalie.
But this is where the Bachhara’s process departs from most other designers. Right from the beginning, Bachhara clothing is a collaborative process with producers. “We consider our producers at every step of the way, by evaluating their strengths and weaknesses around our designs and ensuring we are utilising as many of their strengths and as few of their weaknesses as possible,” says Natalie. Natalie and Amanda then work with their ideas, until they begin collaboration with the artisans of Swallows (Fairtrade producers) and JAAGO Foundation Sewing Centre in Bangladesh. “When coming up with the neckpiece for our dress, Hariassa, we spent days with the women of Swallows Thanapara, to find the perfect solution.”
“This is the part of the process we are in love with, the exchanging, the chatting, the learning.” Bachhara works to find ways of incorporating particular producer’s traditional skills like weaving, embroidery or block printing into their designs in a fresh way.
With this fresh approach to collaboration of design and ethical manufacturing, Bachhara provides a new freedom to workers at the JAAGO Foundation Sewing Centre in Bangladesh. Previously working as domestic help or in garment factories, workers were earning between $15 and $35 per month. Not earning enough to support their families, family members, including children, were forced to beg on the streets. Children were unable to attend school. By paying workers a fair wage, Bachhara enables workers to support their families and provide their children with the opportunity for an education.
Shahin, now the sewing master at Bachhara, previously worked for a much larger manufacturer, working twelve to sixteen hours a day being paid a quarter of what he is now earning. “Shahin was controlled, depressed and overworked,” says Natalie.
Shahin’s time is now his own to manage. He has a lunch break, starts work at around 10am and finishes at approximately 6pm. He also has access to and is utilising English lessons and has access to free and subsidised medical treatment. “He is always smiling now.”
“To see smiling faces is ultimately all we would need to keep going,” says Natalie, “but we do have a much larger vision of helping revolutionise consumerism into a conscious behaviour.”
There’s that boldness again. Bachhara is now working in conjunction with JAAGO Foundation to instill all the 10 World Fair Trade Practices, including setting up a retirement fund, cash incentives, savings programs, ongoing regular training and a bigger cleaner air conditioned sewing centre. As Natalie says, “I can’t wait to see Shahin’s smile then.”
Bachhara is bold and beautiful fashion. Wearing your heart on your sleeve has never been so easy.
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2 comments:
Great concept - designs not so great. Of course, up to the individual, the dresses would make great maternity wear!
Yes, I am not that fond of the designs but I do agree the idea is wonderful.
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