May
3rd 2015
Finance
through Fashion
Years
ago, my grandmother founded a project branched under her organization: A Sewing
Workshop. What is unique about this particular project turned business however
is it only employs women and/or single moms who need a means of financial
stability. A decade or so later, it has established quite a reputation for
beautiful pieces and fine craftsmanship, sold across the Middle East. I’ll also
add that every outfit in our A Country Called Syria exhibition (www.Facebook.com/ACountryCalledSyria)
is handmade from their shop—both the evening attires and the folkloric pieces.
This
year, on a quiet afternoon, my grandmother was discussing the very low workload
the shop was facing. Between war, economic crisis and exhaustion, there were no
orders being placed and no new ideas of things to make. That’s when I had a
light bulb moment. The new generation, everywhere in the world, is always
interested in fashion. The current trend is also fashion fusions, where
cultures combine. So I started shopping, specifically in Old Town Damascus, before
the heartbreaking fire that took out almost 70 businesses and cost 6,000
families their income. I was looking for unique fabrics that showcased the
intricate perfection and colorful beauty of Syrian threads. From a very antique
shop, located in the courtyard of a mosque, I found old pillowcases in a
variety of patterns and colors. The shop owner told us, “Everything I have here
is the last of its kind. The factories are either destroyed or closed so take
what you can if you really want them.” I grabbed four pillowcases and three
tablecloths, all of which have absolutely breathtaking designs.
After
hours of contemplation, sketching, matching, describing, explaining and
fittings, my masterpiece was born. And thanks to the amazing talents and
patience of the women at the workshop, I got this beautiful asymmetrical vest
that perfectly infuses a youthful American look with Syrian heritage. They
worked diligently to ensure that not only does it maintain the abstract look I was
aiming for, but also that the colors flow harmoniously.
I’m
hoping that more people will be inspired with ideas to send over to the
workshop to keep their business going. Despite economic crises (worldwide)
fashion and food continue to sell. I see it in America and I am seeing it in
Syria. This workshop has great connections to fabric shops, as well as a rich storage
of unbelievable (no longer in existence) pieces leftover from other outfits
made. Imagine the gems they could make? The one of a kind pieces!
At
a community charity breakfast last weekend, I wore the vest in hopes of
spreading the word. I’m ecstatic to know that four people have already begun
placing their orders. And if my “six-turned-ten weeks in Syria” turn into
fourteen (fingers crossed), I would love to order more for anyone else
interested.
This
masterpiece is a reminder to me, not only of Syrian heritage and artwork, but
of the Syrian resilience I spoke of in earlier posts. True Syrians will keep
moving forward, and we need to support them because what they have to offer is a
true treasure.
