What's the Appeal of Handmade? A Renaissance of Taste
We encounter handmade products in trendsetting boutiques, and view them as artfully arranged emblems of good taste. So, why do we think that?
Handmade objects - whether art, garments, jewelry - can be found in the pages of magazines like Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, Vogue and more. Handmade items have become the status symbols of people who appreciate products that are not 'run of the mill' - aren't found at a local mall.
We think society is experiencing a wonderful renaissance - a return to a more tactile and down to earth appreciation in counterbalance to factory-produced sameness. Handmade products tend to reflect our humanity in a way that embodies a deeper story - one of craftsmanship, passion, creativity. Something handmade is special in a way that mass-produced items simply can't convey. Akin to the 'farm to table' movement - the desire to know the origin of what you are eating - now many of us want to connect what we are wearing - or displaying - in a more meaningful manner.
Join The Renaissance!
Zawadee has a commitment to quality handmade products. We are currently sourcing products from around the world that are socially and environmentally sound - as well as high quality, handcrafted garments or accessories and home décor to be proud of. We believe handmade - handcrafted - speaks to care, consideration, longevity and stewardship.
The Ardmore Collection
On Springvale Farm, located in the KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), a most astounding art studio is found. Ardmore Ceramics has been acknowledged by the acclaimed auction house - Christie's - as producers of "modern day collectibles". Styled in an exuberant, exotic (even, may we say, whimsical style), the ceramics produced by this remarkable atelier are superb examples of design and craftsmanship
Often inspired by wildlife, Ardmore Ceramics have been exhibited in leading galleries and collections around the world, including The Museum of Art & Design in New York and The Museum of Cultures in Basel (Switzerland). Ardmore's modern art style breaks ceramic conventions, using techniques resulting from years of experimentation with materials and processes. The vibrant colours and enormous attention to detail are simply superb.
The Tsandza Collection
First established in 1979, Tsandza Weaving, formerly known as Rosecraft Weaving, is a social enterprise that produces high quality products, handwoven in pure natural fibres by talented artisans in rural Swaziland.
Consumers seeking ethically produced items that make an impact to a bigger purpose when making their purchase will find "forever presents" that not only represent beauty and skill, but also contribute to a more sustainable future for us all.
Made By Hand
Every step of Tsandza’s production process is done by hand. From the dying, spinning & weaving to the knotting & tasseling. Even our sewing machines for labelling are manual! This means every item we make is unique and exclusive to you. Our impact on our environment is greatly reduced, and it also means we need many hands, ensuring we continue to be a vital source of training and income generation for many rural women. It is quite a complex process requiring patience, skill and a lot of work!
The Azel Collection
The Tuareg Silversmiths of Azel have been designing and executing superb fine sterling silver jewelry for countless generations. Azel is located in northern Agadez (Niger) - a fairly daunting distance from hospitals and other support. That is why Mohammed Anou, a renowned Tuareg silversmith, grouped his fellow artisans together to form the basis of this remarkable jewelry - The Azel Collection. Mohammed hopes the collective's beautiful jewelry will benefit his beloved town of Azel - and help it's people!
Tuareg jewelry is distinctive, dramatic and meaningful.
There is a history and a story behind each piece and the traditional Tuareg motifs convey this in an intriguing way. Both ethical and environmentally conscious, The Azel Collection embodies both skill and conscious commitment by these remarkable artisans!
