The August Chapter of our 2023 Lookbook is here

It’s time for the Eighth Chapter of our 2023 Lookbook!

Each month’s designs will continue forward to carry you through a year of blossoming hope with looks to wear + share!

Direct Link to Issuu – (also find downloadable PDFs below, in the MEDIA tab)

2023 Design Concept: A New Perspective

Impressionism was an art movement that rebelled against traditional ways and embraced modernity. This signaled a change causing the world to look at everything with a new perspective. Much like the Impressionists, we want to embrace a shifting world in which the woman who is crafting each accessory is as important as the woman who wears it.

With Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” as our inspiration, we collaborated with our talented artisans to build a trend-forward collection with room for individual expression. Colors include lavender, tranquil blues, and calming greens, all reflections of Monet’s artwork, while also simultaneously trending hues on 2023 runways.

Tying both trend and artisanal style, we sought to create a collection with multiple releases that build upon itself. Providing easy ways for everyone to confidently coordinate products from one chapter to the next and maximize the impact they make for women around the world!

When you shop your favorite pieces in the collection, you are standing with women around the world who are leading their families out of poverty and human trafficking. Who knew that on-trend accessories could be such a powerful force for good in the world?!

2023 ushered in new changes to our annual lookbook!

We are building an ongoing, cohesive lookbook over the full year, with new “Chapters” added on the 2nd of each month.

Each chapter will feature approximately 10 new ethically made, fair trade designs to continue throughout 2023.

The August Chapter features 8 new designs from 4 countries, as we continue celebrating artisanal craftsmanship and world culture in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, and India.

We hope you can feel the hope behind each design in our August chapter, knowing every piece has been crafted by the hands of a woman rising from poverty and trafficking through your sales.

Chapter 8 of our 2023 Lookbook is NOW available for purchase in your Partner Store!

Chapters are sold in your Partner Store for $3.90/package of 10.
This pack of 10 August Lookbook Chapters is a great way to share the inspiration and mission behind our ethically made July designs while reducing your environmental footprint. Lightweight and sized for easy and affordable mailing, these lookbook chapters are a great way to reopen conversations with past customers, hostesses, and potential sponsorships.
These 8.5″ x 11″ sheets easily slip inside the first chapter launched this year, as January’s chapter was a folded 11″ x 17″ cover in which to contain all upcoming chapters: Keep the entire year at your fingertips!
Materials: Paper
Color: Multicolor
SKU ZCE1773-8

You can also download the two chapter pages from the PDF link below to print your own at home or via local print shop. We do suggest printing them as double-sided on 8.5″ x 11″ paper to slip inside the “booklet” created by January’s Lookbook Chapter. Each month’s designs will be carried throughout 2023.

Lookbook 2023 – August: Chapter 8 PDF

You can find links to our entire 2023 Lookbook as well as continuing, online-only products HERE in Hope Central.

Click through the tabs below for your Chapter 8 Overview, Product + Artisan info, and Media. (Trend report graphics coming soon)

This eighth chapter of our 2023 Lookbook includes 8 all new designs from the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, and India:

Mayan Tote (Guatemala)
Embroidered Garden Bag Strap (India)
Soliel Earrings (India)
Chai Crossbody (India)
Valencia Bracelet (DR)
Sana Ring (India)
Haitian Sunrise Art (Haiti)
Interlace Ring (india)

MAYAN TOTE

This gorgeous Mayan Tote upcycles Mayan Huipil, the beautiful traditional blouses worn by women in Guatemala to signify which village they call home. Artisans in Guatemala handcraft this colorful, eco-friendly Mayan Tote design from genuine leather and upcycled huipil to make this ethically made tote bag. Each bag is one of a kind, as the front features a geometric patterned patch of Huipil that varies in colors and slight pattern variations that are unique to each woman’s village.

Lined with 100% cotton, this Mayan Tote has both interior slip pockets and a zippered pocket. The front huipil design is also a stylish, functional front pocket to keep your most essential must-haves conveniently secure. Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in Guatemala.

Every bag has variations as a part of the Artisan-made charm.

Product Details:

Approx. Measurements: 15″W x 13″ H
Materials: Leather, Upcycled huipil, Cotton
Color: Brown, Antique Brass, Multicolor
Retail Price: $229.95
SKU: BGMF1831

The Impact of Your Purchase

In Guatemala, gender discrimination and a lack of opportunities prevent many women in areas of extreme poverty from receiving an education or earning a living wage. But these women are utilizing their traditional skills to create beautiful products that reflect their culture and empower them to provide for their families at home. As Artisans and business owners, women in rural villages are now able to feed, clothe, and pay for their children to go to school – opening doors to a brighter future for the next generation in Guatemala!

Martha’s Story of Hope

“My name is Martha. I am from Patzun, a town in the department (state) of Chimaltenango. I am very happy to be here with you! It is a blessing from God to have you here in our nation of Guatemala. Because the truth is it benefits my family – and our countrywomen most of all – because we are given the opportunity to work. This work you all do reaches to us and reaches to many other people.

Thank you very much and God bless you! And thank you for the opportunity you have given us because the truth is we are really happy that we are working. We are happy and grateful with God. Thank you and God bless you and we hope this project continues to be successful!”

Embroidered Garden Bag Strap

Add an elegant touch of artisanal style to your favorite bag with this embroidered floral bag strap from India. Handcrafted by differently abled women who are overcoming discrimination and abuse, our Embroidered Garden Bag Strap features a traditional black, blue, and pink, marigold garden pattern. The easy-close metal clasp with its classic antique-brass finish makes styling up any bag quick and convenient. Every purchase of this bag strap provides safe jobs with fair wages for marginalized and differently abled women in India.

Approx. Measurements: Adjustable Approx. 1 3/4″ W x 27″ – 46 1/2″ L
Materials: Viscose rayon thread, Polyester, Cotton, Brass
Color: Black, Blue, Pink, Marigold, Antique gold
Retail Price: $67.95
SKU: BGME1859

The Impact of Your Purchase

Your purchase provides dignified work for marginalized and differently abled women in India. Without work, many women are forced to beg on the streets. As Artisans, they’re overcoming discrimination and poverty to experience healing and hope.

Evangeline’s Story of Hope

“I like sewing and enjoy the atmosphere of learning new things and increasing my knowledge and skills all the time. I use my earnings to meet household costs, especially for anything my daughters might need. My husband and I don’t like taking loans from money lenders. I’m a member of a women’s savings group and have been able to apply for a group loan three times. I’ve repaid each time and using that money, along with a housing grant from the government, we’ve been able to build a new house with slightly larger rooms and an added balcony.”

Soleil Earrings

Make a fair-trade fashion statement with the Soleil Earrings! These gorgeous earrings feature a rectangle chalcedony stud with a hammered brass rectangle accent and colorful beaded fringe in shades of blue, gold, teal, and light pink. These unique artisanal earrings are handcrafted in a workshop in India that’s committed to fighting child marriage and helping women become financially independent as fair-trade Artisans.

Approximate Measurements: 3 ½”
Materials:Glass, Chalcedony, Plated brass
Colors: Blue, Gold, Teal, Light pink
Price: $27.95
SKU: JETP1810

The Impact of Your Purchase

India is home to one-fourth of the world’s poorest people. Vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops. Your purchase provides them with safe jobs, fair wages, healthcare, literacy programs, self-help groups, and more!

Sofiya’s Story of Hope

“Ten years ago, my home was in an urban slum, where I lived with several family members. My father had a job where he could earn enough to take care of our large family. Due to ill health, my father had to leave his work and move where we live now. When we moved I had to leave my studies, I attended school only until 8th standard.

I had heard a lot about the jewelry workshop and Moon. I had heard about her activities and I longed to be her co-worker. I admired the way she was leading her life and I wanted to follow into her footsteps. Starting to work at this workshop was a turning point in my life. Now I was earning my own money.

Today, I have more confidence. I became more aware about the fact that we can change our life for the betterment. I also believe that every woman has the capacity to work at par with man. Through the various programs they offer, I believe that my future is secure. The good aspect is that I get paid fair wages. Many of my friends working in other places earn far less than me. They are still the victim of exploitation.

Working here, I have became more aware about the difference between the right and wrong. I participate in women’s meetings. Life is more meaningful now than before. At home life was naive as we only ate and slept. At work, I was trained to become an artisan as it was my wish. I enjoy making jewelry.”

Chai Crossbody

This gorgeous camel-colored Chai Crossbody Bag can be used as an on-trend belt bag or as a Crossbody bag. The removable and adjustable strap has a subtle block print pattern. The ethically made Chai Crossbody is handcrafted in India and features an exterior slip pocket, interior zipper pocket, interior slip pocket, and leather shoulder strap. The interior is lined in a tan fabric with a fun poppy print on it. Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in India!
Every bag has variations as a part of the Artisan-made charm!

Approx. Measurements: 8 1/2″W x 5 1/2″H x 2 1/2″D, Adjustable removable strap: 31 1/2″ – 42 3/4″
Materials: Leather, Antiqued brass
Color: Camel, Antique brass
Retail Price: $139.95
SKU: BGYL1858

The Impact of Your Purchase

Artisans in India create beautiful traditional designs with modern function. Every purchase supports women and families in areas of extreme poverty by providing safe jobs and fair wages in communities where vulnerable women are often exploited in sweatshops.

Shahnaz’s Story of Hope

“I learned my Artisan skills after my father died. All of us had to do something to keep our household running. I started as a helper. My first job as a stitching Artisan was here at this workshop. Now that I’m married, I use my income to maintain my home’s condition – getting doors and roofs repaired – and definitely saving for my daughter’s education!

Consistent work and not being worried about where my next month’s salary will come from is the greatest security for someone like me. During India’s lockdown, our workshop distributed food packets in our community. It wasn’t just for the Artisans. It was for the entire community! That’s what makes us feel proud being a part of this group where we have good companies like Trades of Hope that give us a sense of security.”

The Valencia Bracelet

With the Valencia Bracelet, the beauty of the Larimar stone truly speaks for itself! This simple piece is stunning, just like the women who made it! Each stretch-to-fit bracelet features 14k gold plated beads and a rare genuine Larimar stone that can only be found in the volcanic regions of the Dominican Republic. Every purchase of this bracelet supports a safe house in the Dominican Republic that provides housing, education, legal services, and trauma counseling for survivors of human trafficking.

Every bracelet has variations as a part of the Artisan-made charm!

Approx. Measurements: Stretch 6 3/4″
Materials: 14K gold plated brass beads, Larimar stone
Color: Gold, Blue
Retail Price: $39.95
SKU: JBBG1855

The Impact of Your Purchase

The Dominican Republic is home to the third-fastest growing sex-trafficking industry in the world. Your purchase empowers women escaping domestic abuse and human trafficking with freedom and dignity.

Meet the Artisan: Rosaura’s Story of Hope

“I learned how to make jewelry when I was twelve years old. When American outreach teams came to build homes, I would participate in workshops with jewelry designers. I found my passion. I love designing jewelry. We enjoy many daily activities. I like to learn and expand my knowledge. I’m very committed to my studies and am continuing my education in University.

Before I became an Artisan, my life was very different. A few years ago, I had a problem with depression and felt that I had no friends. I was always isolated and did not talk to anyone about it. But today, I’ve overcome my fears. Now, I can be confident and make plans for my life and learn new things.

Becoming an Artisan has helped me to fulfill my dreams of studying since my family is very poor and I’m one of five children. I’m in University and currently the Design Director at the workshop. In my future, I hope to finish my studies, become a professional and have my own business.”

Sana Ring

The unique design of the Sana Ring is sure to stand out with its genuine turquoise stone set in a silver-toned adjustable ring base. Designed to empower women earning fair wages for their work in India, the gorgeous Sana Ring features a genuine turquoise stone, with varying shades and patterns perfectly complimented by the silver-tone base to create a beautiful statement ring. Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages in areas of extreme poverty where vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops.

Approximate Measurements: 3/4″W x 1″L, Adjustable ring size 7
Materials: Plated brass, Turquoise
Color: Silver, Turquoise
Price: $45.95
SKU: JRCD1870

The Impact of Your Purchase

In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable women in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to health care, education for their children, and care for elderly family members.

Babli’s Story of Hope

Babli lives in an area of extreme poverty in India where vulnerable women are often exploited in sweatshops with unfair wages, unreasonable hours, and unsafe workspaces. As an Artisan in this workshop, she is able to earn fair wages working reasonable hours in a safe workspace. The income she earns as an Artisan is empowering her to lead her family out of poverty.

Haitian Sunrise Art

This encouraging, eco-friendly Haitian Sunrise Art uses paper handmade in Haiti using banana leaves with the encouraging message, “When you put love into the world, it travels.” Beautiful hues of blue, yellow, green, and orange cascade over the natural tan color of the banana leaf paper. Not only will this piece of art beautify your home, office, or make a great gift for a friend but it also provides a safe working environment for mothers in Haiti! Included with the Haitian Sunrise Art is an antiqued brass bulldog clip and tack for easy mounting. Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in Haiti.

Approx. Measurements: 5″H x 7″W
Materials: Banana leaf paper
Color: Tan, Blue, Yellow, Black, Green, Orange
Prices: $21.95
SKUs: HDTH1866

The Impact of Your Purchase

Extreme poverty, lack of education, and lack of job opportunities often force parents in Haiti to give up their children to poverty orphanages to save them from starvation. This workshop in Haiti is committed to empowering women to lead their families out of poverty. Your purchase helps build houses, provide Artisan skills training, and create sustainable business opportunities for women in areas of extreme poverty in Haiti.

Hermanie’s Story of Hope

Life is difficult in this area because so many people don’t have somewhere to live or food to eat, everything is so insecure right now. This Artisan community helps us a lot! The programs they have and the way they motivate us to see that lives can change make a huge impact.

Because of my work as an Artisan, I’ve had the stability of sending my kids to school, and the opportunity to invest in other things like building my house. My favorite part about my work is when I’m paid! I would like to open a restaurant! This work helps me realize my dreams, because I can save some of the money I make here to help with opening my restaurant.

Interlace Ring

Add a touch of feminine style to your look with this adjustable Interlace Ring from India, featuring an elegant, twisted, gold-tone design. Designed to empower women earning fair wages for their work in India, the simple look of this ring is sure to elevate any outfit! Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages in areas of extreme poverty where vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops.

Approx. Measurements: Adjustable ring size 7
Materials: Plated brass
Color: Gold
Price: $25.95
SKU: JRCD1686

The Impact of Your Purchase

Babli’s Story of Hope

“This is a job that has been passed down from generation to generation. At a young age, my parents and aunt taught me how to work with the amate paper. I enjoy the full process, but I love seeing a new design come to life. I still find it a miracle that we can dream something up and make it with our hands. It’s a blessing God gave us this gift!”

Preserving the ancient Artisan traditions of her ancestors, Maribel creates beautiful amate paper art from the bark of local trees that grow near her village in Mexico. Maribel lives in an area of extreme poverty where safe sustainable jobs with fair wages for women are scarce. The art she creates helps provide her with the income she needs to be financially independent.

Every product has variations as a part of the artisan-made charm!

Trend Report: August Lookbook Chapter

Why a trend report?

The more accessories you like, the more women we can help globally.

The women we partner with, who ethically make our accessories, know this, too. We study runways and trends and design pieces alongside our Artisan Partners so that, together, we can create products YOU WANT. They don’t want charity purchases. They want you to LOVE the work of their hands. We hope you love our August Lookbook Chapter as much as we have loved creating it for you!

Statement Bag Straps – As we witness a growing appreciation for artisanal craftsmanship and unique details in fashion, it comes as no surprise that unique bag straps have taken center stage, captivating the hearts of trendsetters around the globe. Transforming a simple bag into a statement piece is easily accomplished with the addition of our Embroidered Garden Bag Strap. Even our Chai Crossbody elevates a look with its unique block-printed crossbody strap. With both our Chai Crossbody and Embroidered Bag Strap helping alleviate poverty for families in India, these are an easy addition to your wardrobe for a unique look.

Belt/Camera Bags – Belt bags have soared in popularity in recent years by redefining the concept of practical chic. These versatile accessories effortlessly blend style and functionality, offering fashion enthusiasts a hands-free and convenient way to carry their essentials. Belt bags have undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding their outdated form for a more sleek look and worn primarily as a short crossbody. Our Chai Crossbody not only provides life-changing work for families in India but also a unique “camera bag” inspired shape and a block-printed crossbody strap that sets it apart from the crowd in today’s style landscape.

Large Totes – After years of tiny bags trending on runways, large totes have begun to take center stage captivating audiences with their practical yet stylish allure. In recent seasons, renowned fashion houses have embraced the trend, showcasing oversized totes in a stunning array of designs, materials, and colors. As fashion embraces a more functional and utilitarian approach, large totes have emerged as a symbol of modern elegance and a reflection of contemporary lifestyles. Our Mayan Tote is the perfect compromise of practicality and trend with its stunning Huipil Pocket on the front, numerous interior pockets, and zippered closure. Our unique tote not only displays traditional Mayan artistry by utilizing upcycled huipil blouses, but it’s also supporting families in Guatemala, making this a must-have accessory.

Rings – Statement Rings have become a captivating trend on runways, infusing a bold and dramatic element into the world of high fashion. Designers have embraced oversized, uniquely shaped, and intricately embellished rings. From vibrant gemstones and elaborate metalwork to avant-garde designs, statement rings have become a symbol of individuality and self-expression on the runways. Stack multiple rings together for a maximalist approach or simplify with a singular statement ring worn on your index finger for an elegant statement. Our Sana Ring and Interlace Rings from India are easy accessories to add to complete a look. Both pieces are changing lives for artisans coming out of poverty in India.

Share the graphics below as you highlight each of the trends.