Monthly Musings: Conscious Luxury
What does Conscious Luxury mean to you?
To me, conscious luxury means taking into consideration true sustainability by measuring how each product benefits the planet, the maker, and the end consumer. I believe luxury should no longer be defined by a price point, but rather by the process in which something is made. It should no longer be defined simply by the quality of fabric, but by the quality of the life of each hand it touches, from maker to consumer.
Is it contributing to the quality of life of the maker? The quality & longevity of the planet? Is it filling you with a sense of discovery and awe? Does it enhance your space? Does it bring joy? Is it reciprocal? Can you feel the love in the hearts of the women who wove these?
The true energy of empowerment is rare and therefore, in its very essence, luxurious.
One handwoven throw will take up to two weeks to produce. Every hour of its creation is shared amongst the community. Tiny fingers trace across the loom as children insist that their mothers work day is done and it is time now for her to play. Hours are spent harvesting leaves from nearby trees to boil into dye... the perfect earth tone. The shutter of the looms coincides with the engine of a tuk tuk arriving to transport your piece. It’s greeted by women at our studio in the big city, they smile and quietly get to work adding the finishing touches. Then by land, by air, by sea… it makes it way across the world to arrive at your door. You unwrap it, smell the sweet scent of our studio in Cambodia now a part of every thread. And wrap it around your shoulders, becoming one with its energy, the energy of its creators.
So… What is luxury, if not this?