Our new Love Welcomes range draws inspiration from the internationally recognised emergency distress message of S.O.S., an urgent call for help.
The S.O.S maritime message is not just a random concept to the women we work with, it connects deeply with their own life experiences, including Amira who said “At sea, I went 12 days with no water or food. I was 15”, or Sumita who recalls “If I did not escape, I would not be alive”.
“Our designs zoom in on the S.O.S message as we want to encourage people to zoom in on the refugee crisis and see the humanity in every person seeking out a better future, and share their story with family and friends” says Abi Hewitt, Founder and CEO of Love Welcomes.
Abi continues: “Talking about refugees as one homogeneous group can remove the humanity from each individual's terrifying journey to safety. But this new range reminds us all that we must look more closely and see each person as unique. We need to see Fathers, Mothers, Sons and Daughters and treat everyone as we would hope to be treated if we were fleeing for our lives.”
The whole team at Love Welcomes is excited with the launch of the new range which has been planned during the Covid lockdown. It includes hand made and embroidered items in beautiful vibrant colours; such cushions, table runners, napkins, placemats, lavender sachets, tea towels and an apron.
The range uses recycled linen which is then hand printed with environmentally friendly dyes, with some of the pieces also being hand embroidered.
(Names have been changed to protect identities)