Velvet Appliquéd Purse

Appliqué is a needlework technique in which pieces of fabric are sewn onto fabric to create pictures or patterns. Each purse is made by hand, so the appliqué will be slightly different from the next making each one unique! The purses have a flat bottom, coloured zip closure with beaded ball detail and full metallic satin fabric lining.

Approximately 15.5cm wide x 11cm high. Please note that due to the handmade nature of this product, sizes can vary slightly from those specified.

Spot clean only.

Designed in the UK and hand made by skilled artisans through a women's fair trade project in Vietnam. The regular work provided enables women from disadvantaged backgrounds to improve their families’ living conditions and send their children to higher education. The work is also flexible, enabling them to learn new tailoring skills whilst continuing with their education if required.

The women who make the bags and purses work in small villages either in small, clean, safe workshops or at home so that they can work according to their own and their families’ needs.

Many workers come from rural rice farming communities where poverty is widespread. Working with Lua enables them to combine their farming obligations with a valuable additional source of income. The work is flexible and they are also able to have time off for family commitments. Training is provided on the job in the workshop for the first two years to develop skills and experience. Higher rates are paid to the women who progress to more skilled work such as pattern cutting and embroidery. The workers are paid sick leave and health insurance is provided for older workers. Bonuses are paid after each season and, in summer, a holiday to the beach is organised for all the workers and their families.