Aura Que
Aura Que | Ethically Handmade
Stylish, Fair-trade Bags and Accessories
Every AURA QUE design is developed in collaboration between UK designer Laura Queening and the small producer groups she works with in Asia. Aura Que look to use traditional skills and local materials as much as possible, aiming to encourage empowerment through work for the individual producers who make their products.
Each product is brought to life in various charity handicraft units or WFTO producer groups that employ local people that may be affected by discrimination or disabilities, providing an income for themselves and their families according to fair trade principles.
Aura Que have a lovely range of jewellery made from either recycled glass or nickel free brass. The jewellery is handmade and beautifully unique.
The recycled glass jewellery is strung by a team of female artisans in rural Nepal. These traditional necklaces and bracelets are typically worn by women in the hill and mountain regions of Nepal. The brass jewellery is made at their jewellery workshop in Kathmandu which is World Fair Trade Organisation certified
The Aura Que Crochet Bags are made from 100% sheep wool with real leather handles and dyed with azo-free dyes. The leather is sourced from a small family tannery in Kolkata and roadfreighted to Kathmandu in bulk, to be used for all Aura Que leather and suede products; all chemicals used in the process are contained and reprocessed within the water treatment facility on site.
The bags are handmade by a small Nepalese workshop affiliated with the Nepal Leprosy Trust, who employ marginalised people, giving them opportunities through work. Aura Que have worked with the team for over ten years developing new products, improving skills and providing equipment for the workshop. As a World Fair Trade Organisation certified member, the workshop give their employees a fair living wage, health care benefits and monthly contributions to their children's school fees.
Aura Que has also created a vibrant range of accessories with Kaffe Fassett's Artisan fabric designs which reflects a passion for Eastern design and appreciation for artisan craftsmanship, handmade processes and traditional textiles. Each product is brought to life in collaboration with their producer group in Vietnam, a World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) member, that provides secure employment to disadvantaged women and marginalised groups in society.
