About
Sian Jacobs, an Irish fashion designer specialising in cashmere, launched her label in 2008.
She ventured to Nepal during the chilly winter months armed with a folder of designs which reflected her ideas about how clothes should look, fit, feel and function. Her plan was to work directly with suppliers to turn her dream of a luxury cashmere label into reality.
Through a series of coincidences she found exactly the right people - a small business run by a Nepalese husband and wife team - who understood her vision and helped translate it into luxe cashmere.
Sian's designs focus on colour with a very personal palette of muted, dusty, painterly tones, through to vibrant jewel colours. She pays close attention to detail - everything is hand finished and mainly hand-loomed. Her designs are edgy, laidback, playful and fun.
Sustainability values:
Sian puts her belief in socially reponsible business principles into practice by working directly with small producers. Her Nepalese team believe in craftmanship and quality, but not at the expense of the environment or their workforce. They use AZO-free dyes from Switzerland. Their workforce is made up mainly of women whose skills give them the independence to earn a living, yet allow them to get home in time to cook the evening meal.
Part of Sian's profits are donated to Irish-based charity, Foundation Nepal, which operates in remote Himalayan villages. This charity works with women and low caste families, enabling them to help themselves through micro-business opportunities, healthcare and education services. The philosophy of the foundation is "Giving a hand up, not a hand out".
www.foundation-nepal.org