A few weeks ago I made a very important airport run. I circled the terminals of LAX, waiting with anticipation for the flight from Delhi via London. Before leaving my house I'd made sure that my trunk was completely empty. Because I wasn't just retrieving a weary duo of travelers, I was also receiving the cargo they were bringing home: the Spring + Summer collection of Elephant Landing.
The passengers in question were Caroline and Jayen Lee, photographers and founders of the charming Indian textiles brand. When they arrived, I helped them load several cartons of product into my car. I could barely contain my excitement over the knowledge that all the pieces in those boxes were handmade by women who attend a sewing school that Jayden's family founded. The ladies learn the skills they need to support their families then put those skills to work on these globally-inspired homewares. Once the goods hit the States, all proceeds from sales go back to the school.
As much as I liked the first Elephant Landing collection, this latest set of designs is even better! Table runners, napkins, and throws now round out the original lineup of pillows. Block printed raw linen features tropical brights that usher in the sunny season, while graphic pineapples feel at once playful and crisp. And even though the Lees and the women at the school do the vast majority of the work, I must admit a tiny bit pride at my small but pivotal transport role in the international textiles trade ;)
Photos by Woodnote Photography, Styling by Kiersten Stevens + Caroline Lee.