The inspiring story behind a brand that is built around the idea of empowering marginalised women from the remotest part of Bangladesh.
“The handicrafts displayed here are made with the skills of the women from the remotest, most isolated riverine islands (chars) in Bangladesh. We give them the skill and opportunity while they give their creativity and craftsmanship. They are helping us protect and preserve the culture and tradition of Bangladesh, whilst at the same time empowering themselves to build their social identities in their own communities” [Runa Khan, Founder and Executive Director of Friendship NGO]“What makes the truest difference is how our products are made, particularly when it comes to fabrics. Only traditional techniques of weaving (handlooms), dyeing, printing and embroidery are used. All materials used are pure cotton and silk. Most of all, the colours applied are 100% natural/vegetable dye or Azo Free. Our fabrics are of which you would enjoy wearing, as our beautiful weavers enjoy creating” [Nazra Mahjabeen Sabet, Deputy Director, Nodi Limited, a Friendship Enterprise.]
The process is eco-friendly, keeping emissions as low as possible while preserving culture, promoting inclusive citizenship as well as sustainable economic development.
Embracing the concept of “slow fashion,” promoting traditional methods of production [Photos: Courtesy]Friendship Colours of the Chars” is a social enterprise of Friendship NGO working with the most remote and marginalised societies in Northern and Southern Bangladesh. It began by working with vulnerable women from remote communities in river islands (chars). The women from these marginalized char communities embraced their free training programmes to learn how to weave and produce the handmade, natural dyed clothing and handcrafted jewellery now available at the store. The artisans adore creating the products, and the customers were pleased with the purity and ethical manufacturing practices behind the products.All fabrics are handmade by women of the char regions of Northern Bengal [Photos: Courtesy]These char women are provided with a first chance to learn technical skills and earn enough to provide for their families in extremely underdeveloped areas. The process is eco-friendly, keeping emissions as low as possible while preserving culture, promoting inclusive citizenship as well as sustainable economic development. Moreover, the products are exclusively designed and packaged with care; each representing positive change impacting everyone along the way.
Clothing is coloured using 100% natural or azo-free dyes [Photographs by Eivan Sardar]Each design and pattern is unique and made in-house by designers Imam Hassan and Shorder Mohammad, depicting the specific patterns and textures of the rivers and islands. As the products are handmade, no two fabrics are completely alike, making every unit truly distinct. Designs are applied using block print or wax print, or both.
Soft and supple, pure cotton and silk are used only [Photographs by Eivan Sardar]Currently, the world is leaning heavily towards sustainable fashion solutions. While global businesses applied the change from the top-down, Friendship Colours of the Chars began with a socially ethical model which is designed to help all stakeholders from the bottom up. Considering the statistics, there remains a dire need for sustainable solutions for the global fashion industry. They stand today with a unique, social, ethical and fashionably ‘early’ approach to the global crisis.
Friendship Colours of the Chars
Banani: Floor 2, House 40, Road 12, Block E, Banani, Dhaka 1212
Dhanmondi: Ground Floor, House 352/A, Road 27, Dhaka 1209
Website: www.friendshipenterprise.com
