Silk sari cushion cover

This listing is for one luxe sari cushion cover, made from opulent sari cloth in navy blue with ornate golden embroidery. Rich Bengali saris are joined with careful hand-stitching to form these stunning one-of-a-kind cushion covers.

Vivid colours, ornate decorative patterns, and charming patchwork reflect local vibrancy and spirit and ensure no one else has a cushion exactly like yours.

The word 'kantha' means 'patched cloth' and Bangladeshi and Northwest Indian women have made functional items like in this method for centuries. These stunning kantha products are superimposed layers of vintage saris, carefully hand-sewn with neat rows of contrasting thread to form a beautiful finished piece. Each item is made from 100% reclaimed luxe sari cloth, taking approximately 13 hours to stitch by hand (depending on experience).

These unique pieces were handcrafted by women who were previously trafficked into or otherwise engaged in formal or floating sex work (or at risk), now employed in work that brings dignity & livelihood. Our kantha blankets are all made in a generous, safe space by vulnerable and at-risk women who can now work with dignity because of purchases like yours. We stand by our products and are confident that you won't find a kantha that is as unique, versatile, rich in story, or as well-constructed as our beautiful hand-stitched kantha products.

Material: Luxe silk cloth from repurposed saris, mixed fabrics

Dimensions: Approximately 46cm x 46cm (approx. 18in x 18in)

Care: Dry cleaning is recommended to maintain the vibrant colour and texture of your luxe kantha cushion cover. Hang to air dry.

The backstory: Basha’s vision is to continue to grow as long as there are women in Bangladesh in need of dignified work. Basha dreams of a day when women are not at risk of exploitation and don’t live in fear.

This social enterprise breaks the cycle of poverty for women in Bangladesh. In addition to secure and dignified employment, the women receive additional benefits including subsidised medical care, life skills classes and a free on-site nursery school for their children while they are at work. Buying a kantha quilt or scarf gives these brave women the chance to leave behind past traumas and social stigma and develop into leaders and entrepreneurs

Every single purchase from this collection changes lives & builds futures.

Source: Shakti.ism

Shakti.ism is a British brand that gives Indian Sarees a second life by reusing them into beautiful new items in social workshops in India and Bangladesh.

Fair trade: Shakti.ism is a social enterprise operating in India and Bangladesh. Employees are paid a fair wage as well as additional health and wellness benefits. Shakti.ism regularly visits the locations and consults with their employees.

Environmentally friendly: The items are made from old Indian Sarees that are given a second life by Shakti.ism. For example, many sarees are donated. Local donations are generally from poorer people who donate sarees in exchange for other necessities of life. Or they sell it to Shakti.ism at a low price so that they can use this money to buy basic necessities. Shakti.ism can then save the second-hand fabric from being thrown away and reuse it. Saris can also be donated in Europe so that they can be reused.

Good cause: Shakti.ism works with women who are at risk of being affected by gender-based violence. At Shaktiism these women are given the opportunity to earn their own money fairly in a pleasant environment.