Based on a fine silk gulab (rose) sewn into a handkerchief that one of our embroiderers, Zakya, gifted to us, these can also be referred to as "Aunty's flower". For The Social Studio, the gulab is completed in outline using the palette of bright colours adored by many traditional Afghan embroiderers.
Each zip purse is made utilising deadstock denim, hand embroidered and features a blue/green Liberty ditsy floral printed lining. Measures 18cm wide x 13cm high.
'The moon of my heart' is a collection of hand-embroidered garments and accessories developed in collaboration with eight talented women from Melbourne's Afghan community. Inspired by favourite summer memories spent drying fruit, weaving carpets and sewing romantic dastmâl (handkerchiefs) for their faraway partners, these pieces showcase the fine Hazara, Pashtun and Turkmen embroidery skills that are an essential part of Afghan creative culture. The collection draws on various symbols and connections to love - a winking eye, poetry, significant flowers - because, the women tell us, "we just make things from our hearts". Consider these pieces love notes from these remarkable and resilient women to all of us. Thank you to Zakera, Zakya, Shakila, Sakina, Shakeela, Mashriqa, Khadija and Hanifa for sharing your stories and skills with us, it's been our privilege to help bring them to life. All pieces were made with deadstock fabrics in our Collingwood studio.