“A few years ago with a summer spent in India, I journeyed to a historic walled town in Rajasthan called Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is also known as the Golden City because the sandstone ridge on which it stands gives a golden-yellowish tinge to the town and the surrounding area.

Despite the poverty present in the Golden City – as in the majority of India – the area is renowned for its exquisite embroidery, leather goods and Rajasthani mirror work. Techniques and traditions which have been handed down through centuries from family to family are used to create what can only be described as works of art.

To meet the artists who produce these beautiful pieces was a humbling experience. They are wonderful, warm people who work so hard just to survive. We wanted to help in someway but we knew that giving them money would only be a short-term benefit. But an ongoing business relationship with them could enhance their quality of life and go someway to ensuring that the family-run businesses would survive in this fast-developing country.

So we set up Golden Souk. We felt that if we could create demand for their products this would enable them to gain a measure of financial security. Extensive research and careful business planning has meant we have built up a strong working relationship with the families and helped ensure the fair treatment of the craftsmen.”

The stunning range of leather goods, handmade quilts can be found under the Guest Designers page – Golden Souk

Leather bags ranging from £15 – £60 – are genuine leather, dyed on site and not mass produced in a large factory, they are handmade in their family shop.

Welcome Golden Souk!

Extinct Design