Behind every cushion, every tablecloth, every embroidered piece, there are hands. And at Villa Kirane, those hands increasingly belong to women. This is no coincidence: it is a commitment that has been there from the very first day.
A workshop designed for women
"From the very beginning, I wanted to create a workshop with many women, to play a part in their empowerment here in India," confides Karine. It is not straightforward: certain trades remain reserved for men, and it is not always easy for a woman to find work in good conditions.
Today, we are proud to have more women than men at Villa Kirane. We have adapted the working hours so they can arrive a little later and leave a little earlier, allowing them to fulfil their role within the family, which is so important here. This work gives them financial independence and the pride of contributing, in their own way, to the life of their household.
A collaboration with an NGO
For some time now, we have also been working with an NGO dedicated to women's empowerment and the schooling of children in a village. A project that has been close to our hearts for a long time.
These women possess incredible craftsmanship skills -- they are true creators. They also have an immense thirst for learning. The exchange goes both ways: we bring them a French touch, a demand for fine finishing; they share with us a wealth of Indian know-how, passed down from mother to daughter. These are precious moments of sharing that have become part of our daily life.
Pieces that carry a story
Choosing a Kirane piece means bringing far more than a textile into your home. It means extending a chain of gestures, smiles, and traditions passed on. It means supporting, in a very tangible way, a fairer model of work -- one where people come before pace.
Throughout the year, we design limited-edition pieces co-created with these artisan women. Pieces shaped and embroidered by hand, in small quantities, celebrating their talent.
Their skills
Sewing and tailoring — The artisan women of Villa Kirane master the entire assembly of our pieces, from cutting the block print fabric all the way to the finishing touches. Every cushion cover, every tablecloth, every pareo passes through their expert hands. They ensure the regularity of the stitching and the solidity of the seams, so that each piece is as durable as it is beautiful.
Hand embroidery — Some of our artisan women excel in the art of embroidery, a skill passed down from mother to daughter for generations. Chain stitch, cross stitch, floral or geometric motifs: every embroidery is unique and adds a touch of preciousness to our creations. It is meticulous work that demands patience and concentration, and the result is visible at first glance.
Quality control — Before being shipped, every Kirane piece is carefully inspected. The artisan women check the stitching, the regularity of the printed patterns, and the quality of the embroidery. It is an expert eye, honed by years of practice, that guarantees every piece arriving at your home is flawless.
Continuous learning — Training sessions are held regularly at the workshop to pass on new stitches, new finishing techniques, and to share best practices. The most experienced artisan women train newcomers, creating a dynamic of mutual support and collective growth that is the strength of our workshop.
A tangible impact
Behind the words, there are lives that change. Working at Villa Kirane gives these women real financial independence: a stable income, a bank account in their own name, the ability to contribute to household decisions. For many, it is a first.
Thanks to the partnership with our NGO, the schooling of the village's children is actively supported. The women know that their work also contributes to the education of their children -- and those of their neighbours. It is an immense source of pride, often expressed with emotion during our conversations.
And then there is dignity, quite simply. The pride of a job that is recognised, valued, that carries their initials all the way to France and beyond. Every Kirane piece is their signature.
To understand where our creations come from, (re)discover our story and browse our essentials.
Also read in Les Carnets Kirane:
- Villa Kirane: at the heart of our workshop in Jaipur
- The secret behind our colours: natural pigments
- Block print: when ancient Indian art elevates our interiors
— At Villa Kirane, every piece is the fruit of human craftsmanship that we are proud to keep alive.
