Artesan profile: Darzah, West Bank – These shoes are made for showing off!

Darzah, an initiative of Child’s Cup Full, a non-profit social enterprise based in the West Bank, is a collection of tatreez embroidered products, hand-stitched by talented women artisans.  11258480_841349445919922_8819656535636309068_nBy creating sustainable economic opportunities for refugee and low-income women, Darzah is building a consortium of artisan centers to not only have a long term economic impact in the region, but preserve one of the most celebrated art forms from the region – tatreez embroidery. Traditionally, the art of tatreez embroidery was practiced by Palestinian women living in rural areas who made various household items for their children’s future homes. While there is only one stitch used, patterns and colour combinations vary  and often reflect specific regions in Palestine.

Artisans in the Darzah bracelet1Jenin region collaborate with designer from all of the world as well as a highly skilled shoe manufacturer in Nablus to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind shoes that are 100% made in the West Bank.

At Darzah, the art of tatreez is applied to not only shoes but a line of accessories launched this Fall. Through their continued success of their fashion-forward collection, Darzah plans to create job opportunities for low-income women in communities in Bethlehem, Ramallah and Jerusalem.

The Artesan Gateway recently had the opportunity to test out these fabulous shoes at a Holiday Headshot & Studio Warming Party hosted by Third Eye Chic Studio. Agrawal_151112-3661Not only are the shoes stylish, but comfortable too. Ladies, if you are looking for something to brighten up your wardrobe for the festive season or the winter that is fast approaching the northern hemisphere, look no further!

Darzah will be at the Alternative Gift Fair at the United Church of Chapel Hill November 21-22, and at the Alexandria Holiday Market in Alexandria, VA December 11-13. In addition to this they will be hosting a fundraiser at The Station in Carrboro on December 9 from 6-9pm, where they will showcase the shoes, take preorders, and sell pieces from the jewelry collection.

For more information about Darzah visit: http://darzah.org/

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