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Our doll line embodies a creative and poetic universe that crosses both design and craftsmanship. In toys or decorative objects, our doll is intended for children as for their parents. Our ladies sew and embroider the dolls by hand. Each doll tells a story. The bodies are made of cotton canvas with colours of skin with different hues that celebrate cultural diversity. Far from the stereotypical offer of pink princess dolls, our doll is a doll-woman of the world.
Tell us about the crafts process behind Silaiwali’s products.
Our artisans are mostly Hazaras from Afghanistan. Hazara women are known for their exquisite embroidery and crochet work. It is a part of the Hazara heritage. I bring in my training and aesthetics of contemporary design. The osmosis of the traditional and the contemporary gives life to scraps of fabric which otherwise would have gone to landfills.
The name, how did you come up with Silaiwali?
Silaiwali exactly means what we do: Silai – v. to stitch, hem or sew. Wali – n. suffix for the feminine gender. And most importantly, the domain name was available!
How did Chloé happen?
One of the senior people at Chloé saw our concept and products on Instagram and contacted us inquiring if we would be interested in collaborating with them. We jumped at the proposition. Interestingly both Chloé and Silaiwali got the WFTO (World Fair Trade Organisation) certification as Guaranteed Fair Trade Enterprise this year. We have made two limited edition dolls dressed in classical Chloé dresses, two bag charms and Christmas gift ornaments. They will retail in Chloé stores and online stores.
Is working with an important brand like Chloe a game-changer for you?
The Silaiwali-Chloé collaboration is a proud moment for us. The products are just being launched. However, I am quite happy with the way we have grown in these last few years. We are not looking for any windfall gains. Our motivation will remain on how many ladies for whom we can find sustainable employment and how much waste fabric we can upcycle.
Also read:
In photos: Tracing the influence of Indian craftsmanship on the global fashion industry
7 crafts-focused collections to bookmark for your next decor overhaul
How these five influencers came together to support ‘To India, With Love’
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