There is a timeless beauty in the small village outside of Jodhpur where truly magical things happen with the women of the Saheli Women’s Collective. Every time I visit, I am met with such profound kindness and joy. The Saheli women hold me through my creative process with playfulness and laughter, making every collaboration feel like coming home.
But the collective is so much more than a design partner; it is an incredible foundation set up by the most inspiring woman, Madhu Vasishav, who supports hundreds of women to create craft and beauty while forging lasting social change.
“When women gain access to information, tools and resources, they gain a sense of power which they use to lift up those around them.” Madhu Vaishav– Founder of Saheli Women
Walking into their centre, you can feel the difference. It’s designed to feel like home—a safe, joyous social space where women can brew chai, cook, bring their children, and celebrate Indian festivals together. It is a haven free from gender, religious, and caste discrimination, offering a crucial holistic approach to empowerment:
Fair Wages & Time: Artisans receive a fair wage that is at least 50% higher than the average for similar work, with intentionally shorter working days (typically 6-7 hours).
Holistic Support: They provide essential support including on-site childcare, skills development, health insurance, and transportation assistance.
Critical Education: The collective regularly hosts workshops on topics that are fundamental to personal growth, including human rights, feminism, financial literacy, and menstrual health and hygiene.
The skills of the artisans at Saheli Women are vast and exceptional. By centring these traditional arts, the collective not only creates meaningful, dignifying work but also actively preserves cultural heritage. Their expertise ranges from intricate Embroidery and the meticulous art of Block Printing to specialised techniques like Handloom, Natural Dye, and Eco-Printing. This dedication to authentic, traditional craft is what makes their work—and our collaborations—so special.
Last spring, I had the privilege of partnering with this powerful collective to create something truly beautiful. I will launch my new collection of silk scarves produced in collaboration with them very soon!
