madagascar: a fashion blogger's most wanted.

every once in a while i find a product that makes me stop in my tracks... the sparkly ariel t-shirt at the disney store when i was five. the glittered, maroon patent leather airwalks when i was 12 (god, i wore weird stuff even then). the baby louis vuitton speedy i begged for - and received - on my 21st birthday. the watercolor-printed, sari-inspired dress by rachel rachel roy i wore for my bridal shower.

but these intricately gorgeous scarves made me stop for a different, more powerful reason, however beautiful they are. it was the inspiring stories of craftsmanship shared with me at the junior league of the palm beaches' sip n' shop event earlier this year that made me pull out my wallet. 

* note: the photo here doesn't do it justice, making it look more 

like a fishing net than the pretty purple accessory it is. 

federation sahalandy is located in madagascar (no, not the dreamworks movie) and made up of seven silk and cotton-weaving co-ops and associations, all to empower women and communities in this other country through a global market - with a skill they've had for generations. all products are hand-woven and naturally dyed, which i learned about from the mother of the american woman who started the grassroots effort to help these women and men make their own living. 

i'm a sucker for anything with a meaningful story like this, especially when it's sustainable too. i picked out a purple scarf among the sea of natural colors for my sister in law knowing that she'd like the eco-conscious, worldly nature of it (not to mention its soft texture and perfect design). i purchased it a couple months ago but am only writing about it now because i gave it to her for her birthday tonight. it was a hit...with her and apparently with my husband too:

the organization's website tells the whole story better than i can, so if you'd like more information or want to purchase your own visit it and be sure to read about the farmers and weavers too! 

p.s. this really has nothing to do with the story, but i thought this text conversation with my husband about heading to the birthday dinner at dada in delray beach was worth sharing. listening to too much rihanna, maybe? and this was before the drinks...