Maiden Nation is a nation designed for change. By empowering women through ethical fashion, their marketplace where items are designed with both beauty and social consciousness in mind. But it’s more than that, Maiden Nation is social network of women living a global movement.
Citizens.
I’m a Maiden Nation Citizen and have been since the day it launched. Maiden Nation founder, Willa Shalit, wants all Maiden Citizens to connect over their ideas and goals. By creating a marketplace where items are designed with both beauty and social consciousness in mind, Willa has done just that.
When I was asked to review Chan Luu’s Glamour Kiss Kiss Bracelet, and to help share the Maiden Nation Community, I couldn’t say no. Named for the signature Haitian greeting of a peck on each cheek, the “Kiss Kiss Bracelets” are designed by Chan Luu especially for Maiden Nation by members of the Hands Together Cooperative in Haiti, in partnership with the Glamour Women of the Year Fund Initiative and the United Nations Ethical Fashion Initiative.
Wrapped to go, Chan Luu’s bohemian creation tucks intricately layered paper beads inside a neon-hued net of threads. I have a large wrist and was worried it wouldn’t fit, however each thread on the ends is movable and I’m able to pull the beads in to expand the bracelet size, and once it’s on, am able to readjust it to fit my wrist beautifully.
It’s appears to be very delicate, but the actual weave of the bracelet is intricate and layered, creating strength and durability. The braiding is exquisite and done by master craftswomen. If this intricate work was being done in Paris for the major fashion houses, we would call these creations haute couture. And that’s what the goods from Maiden Nation, and my “Kiss Kiss Bracelet”, are.
Haute couture for my wrist.
Each purchase of the “Kiss Kiss Bracelet” will help the survivors of the 2010 earthquake build a new life by supporting this new business. Additionally, for every bracelet sold, $6 will be donated to Sean Penn’s J/P Haitian Relief Organization to support community development in Haiti. Additionally, to support victims in the U.S. and Haiti coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Maiden Nation will also donate $2 to the American Red Cross.
About Chan Luu:
Helping artisans to get out of poverty with dignity is important to veteran jewelry and accessories designer Chan Luu, and her unique approach has been instrumental to her success. With a production process that spans several countries – including India, Thailand, the United States and her native country of Vietnam – Luu’s approach takes the crafts of her artisans, inspired by their ancient traditions, and modernizes them. This approach, according to Luu, ensures the “well-being of the people and communities” behind the products.
Purchasing Information
You can buy the the Glamour Kiss Kiss Bracelet at Maiden Nation for $25.
Product Details
Red cotton cord, nylon cord, and paper beads. Adjustable length.
Made in (Maiden) Haiti.
Care
Keep dry, do not get wet.
No compensation is being received for this post. Maiden Nation provided a bracelet for me to review, but all opinions contained here are my own.
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