Bachhara Celebrates

What have you done since March?

Natalie Armstrong and Amanda Ryan have launched an ethical clothing business, Bachhara, produced two ranges of beautiful clothing and changed the lives of workers in Bangladesh. The Bachhara Fundraiser on November 13th celebrated their achievements, assaulting the senses with its beauty and positivity. All smiles and money went directly to the JAAGO Foundation, providing workers in Bangladesh with a path out of poverty.

Work is something that Amanda and Natalie do not shy away from. Joining forces in just March this year to form Bachhara, they have achieved an amazing amount. Bachhara is a fashion label that supports the JAAGO Foundation . Bachhara uses the JAAGO Foundation Sewing Centre to manufacture their beautiful, wearable fashion. The sewing centre, set up by Amanda when working for JAAGO, provides fairly paid employment to adults in the Bangladesh community. This means that children do not have to work themselves, and are able to attend school. By allowing children to be children, Bachhara is putting Natalie and Amanda well on the way to achieving their goal of being ambassadors for ethical business practices.

Taking the business side seriously, they have already launched spring and summer ranges. The summer range was showcased at the Bachhara Fundraiser - an array of beautiful, feminine flowing frocks dazzled us all as we sipped wine by the sea at Wollongong’s Diggies restaurant. It was great to see the clothing being worn on an array of different shapes, sizes and ages. Even grandma walked elegantly down the catwalk in a beautiful flattering caftan. The clothing is well cut, so that it falls beautifully – the secret behind all great clothing.

The great clothing was the star of the event, but was nearly topped by the fantastic fire twirling display. Twirling is an understatement really – it was more like fire theatrics – high speed fire whizzing through the air – deliciously dangerously close to the acrobatic dancers.

Dancing, drinking and merriment continued. There were raffles, giveaways and Bollywood dancing to be had. Not to mention shopping.

Trying on our favourite pieces out back after the show, there was much excitement as we all drooled over the beautiful fabrics. My purchase was an ethereal blue dress (Freiya) covered in silver clouds. It just felt magical to try on – I can’t wait to wear it.

It looks just as good on me I promise

If you would like your own piece of the excitement, you can purchase it directly from the Bachhara website. The website also lists retail outlets where you can go and browse at your leisure. I have to say, I found trying the pieces on really made a difference – they are incredibly flattering on.

You can make a difference directly by donating on the JAAGO Foundation website, where you can also look into sponsoring a child, and find out how you can help out as a volunteer.

We are not all in a place where we are able to volunteer. What was amazing about our great night out, was that we were all there, having a great time – buying beautiful things for ourselves, and yet we were still helping. That is the beauty of Bachhara.

Bachhara is an amazing achievement by two amazing women. If this is what they can do in just nine months – I can’t wait to see what 2011 will bring.

Amanda Ryan and Natalie Armstrong

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