Folksy European design and South American craftsmanship come together in the range of accessories from Jenny Krauss.
Krauss started small making baby toys and gifts for those she knew some 20 years ago. However the last decade has seen her expand operations to offer employment to more than 300 Bolivian and Peruvian artisans.
Every South American woman Krauss employs works under fair trade conditions, weaving, sewing, and knitting the label’s handbags, belts, scarves, and toys. This means they are paid wages that allow them to provide for themselves and their families, and they work in safe environments free of pollutants and toxins. These are conditions we take for granted but in the poverty stricken areas of Bolivia and Peru Jenny Krauss touches, such perks are considered luxuries.
“It’s important to give and empower those less fortunate,” Krauss explained. “Most people don’t have a lot of opportunity to better their lives, so it feels good to be able to contribute something empowering and sustainable.“
The women work with a unique curly woolen thread, which gives Jenny Krauss’ embroidered accessories their unique texture. This folksy finish is applied to a variety of materials, including wool, canvas, alpaca, and leather.
Jenny Krauss bags are available from $68 from the Harriet and Leo and Uncommon Goods websites.
[Source: Uncommon Goods website]
