From the very first day, Villa Kirane was designed as a workshop where women find their place.
From the very first day, I wanted the Villa Kirane workshop to be a place where women find their place. Here in India, it is not always easy: some trades remain reserved for men, and many women struggle to find their place in the working world.
A predominantly female workshop
Today, at Villa Kirane, we are proud to say that we have more women than men. We have adapted the working hours so they can arrive a little later and leave a little earlier, preserving the balance between work and family life, which is very important here in India.
[Video to insert: The Film -- excerpt 'The commitment to women']
One of our priorities is to promote women's employment in a country where women do not always have their place. At Villa Kirane, we strive to offer them an opportunity to thrive professionally, to strengthen their independence, and to actively contribute to the growth of local craftsmanship.
An independence that goes beyond a salary
What it brings them goes well beyond a salary: financial independence, the pride of contributing to their family's life, of bringing a little more to their daily lives. It is a source of pride that drives us too, every day.
A stable income, a bank account in their own name, the ability to contribute to household decisions. For many, it is a first.
Passing on know-how
For several months, we have also been working with a partner NGO that promotes women's empowerment and children's education in a village. These women have incredible skills -- they are truly creators -- and a thirst for learning. We bring them the little French touch, the touch of perfection, of finishing. And they show us all the Indian know-how they have learned from mother to daughter.
Their skills
Sewing and garment-making -- The artisans at Villa Kirane master the entire assembly of our pieces, from cutting the block-printed fabric to the finishing touches. Every cushion cover, every tablecloth, every pareo passes through their expert hands.
Hand embroidery -- Some of our artisans excel in the art of embroidery, a skill passed down from mother to daughter for generations. Chain stitch, cross stitch, floral or geometric patterns: each embroidery is unique.
Quality control -- Before being shipped, every Kirane piece is carefully inspected: the seams, the regularity of the printed patterns, the quality of the embroidery.
Continuous learning -- Training sessions are regularly organised at the workshop. The most experienced artisans train the newcomers, creating a dynamic of mutual support that is the strength of our workshop.
And that is also why every Kirane piece is one of a kind: it carries the hand of the woman who crafted it. This is what we share with you in our next article.
Also explore: Sofa covers · Cushions · Tablecloths · Throws
Also read in Les Carnets Kirane
- Jaipur, our workshop -- behind the scenes at Villa Kirane
- Block print: the Indian technique that makes every Kirane piece unique
- Which Kirane interior style suits you?
-- At Villa Kirane, every piece is the product of human expertise that we are proud to keep alive.
