Behind every Ulla Johnson collection is a commitment to working with artisanal women-led communities around the world, and a celebration of the traditional handmade techniques that are passed down from one generation to the next. For Pre-Fall 2023, our long-term global partnerships with artisanal community craftspeople expands to include the brilliant women at Artisan Links. This socially committed fair trade business, based in Pakistan, empowers Afghan refugee women in marginalized communities by helping them gain economic security through their artistic expertise. The latest season features their remarkable handcraft in the exquisite Isha Belt, made from a specially developed corded tassel based on a traditional Afghan technique.
These handmade pieces create a delicate sense of nuance amongst the deeply saturated pigments, geometric florals, and delicate motifs that define the collection. The Isha Belt presents a pinnacle of time-intensive, breathtaking artistry: prismatically hued thread-wrapped cords in cotton are affixed to hand-embroidered geometric straps made using puktadozi embroidery, an Afghan technique. These gorgeous fluttering tassels, suspended from embroidered herringbone shapes, are styled atop the diaphanous shibori-flecked crinkled chiffon Sarai Dress for the Pre-Fall campaign, and are designed to layer beautifully over any monochrome or printed silhouette from the collection.
To learn more about the superlative craftswomen and Artisan Link’s incredible impact, please visit their website.