Starry Night Masino Due Scarf by TDM Design
As a woman-owned business, TDM Design Inc. which designs and imports handwoven, dyed and sometimes ruched silk, bamboo and merino wool scarves from Nepal, strongly supports women working together in cottage industries. Nepal is one of the poorest, least developed countries in the world with an unemployement rate of nearly 50% and a per capita income of less than $300. TDM promotes economic empowerment of women in Nepal.
The Nepalese live their art. Rather than being viewed from a distance, art is an inherent part of their daily environment. In annual visits to this part of the world, TDM sees first hand the affect of the above-standard pay the women weavers receive from their company. With the ability to manage their own incomes, these women are able to better care for their children’s health and education. TDM now provides medical care to 125 children and is looking to make an even bigger mark on Nepal. Their goal is to eventually build a school.
In order to deliver the ultimate in luxury, TDM only uses the highest quality natural fibers in their scarves which by the way, will be available in the spring in stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Scoop, and Henri Bendel. Their cashmere is known as “diamond-fiber cashmere” – a true cashmere with long, white fibers that are combed from the under belly and under the neck of the caprus hircus goat. Their dyes are environmentally safe Azo-free dyes. In addition to scarves, TDM is now expanding into wraps and small knit accessories.
We received the Starry Night Masino Due Scarf in Purple Magic from TDM’s Spring/Summer 2009 Masino Due Collection. Pictured is the Water Masino Due Scarf in Ochre. Both are in jewel tones perfect for the upcoming holiday season and retail for $140. These scarves are handmade and hand-dyed silk chiffon with felted designs. They are available in 52 colors and 4 designs.
In a word, the Masino Due Scarf is heavenly! The fabric, the design, the workmanship – all of the highest quality. The felting is not only stylish, it’s distinctive. The bits of felt woven along the length of the fabric create a unique and exclusive look that projects class and luxury. I adore it so much, I work my ensembles around it – one little accessory breathing such new life to my entire wardrobe. It’s absolutely gorgeous, fabulous, and worth every penny.
Speaking of pennies, everyone’s pinching these days due to this massive downturn we’re all in the middle of. If you’re attending holiday parties this year, a good way to save would be to wear an old outfit and freshen it up with a new accessory. This scarf is large enough to be worn as a shawl. Rather than buy a new outfit, wear one of your old little black dresses and use this scarf as a wrap. It’s super chic, elegant, and way less than what you would spend on an entirely new ‘fit.
If your parties are more on the casual side, try pulling an ivory-colored jacket or blazer from your closet and dress it up with the scarf wrapped around your neck or draped over your shoulders. One scarf goes a long way in freshening up all sorts of outfits ranging from the casual to the dressy.
Now, if you’re one of the lucky ones not affected by the downturn at all, then by all means, get more than one scarf. Or if you’re looking for something warmer, get one of their cashmere yumyum neck warmers, previously reviewed by yours truly as well. Remember with each purchase, you’re helping towards providing better care and education for needy children in Nepal.
Related posts:
- Scrunchy Cashmere Scarf from Nepali by TDM Design
- Cashmere YumYum Neck Warmer by TDM Design
- Necklace #713 by Ellen Ikemoto Design
- Diamond Pearl Bracelet by LRS Design
- Metallic Leather Lariat and Gold Fill Wire Bracelets by in2 design