I have a love of Albanian textiles, in particular, the striking geometrical prints that are typically found on woven rugs. These beautiful patterns also found on items such as socks, wall hangings, bags, and other household items, but have somehow fallen out of fashion in recent years.
As my obsession with these designs grew, I found myself thinking “wouldn’t it be nice to have a scarf with this pattern on”, and from there, an idea was born.
I found a local print studio, Lizard Print that would help me to design and print the scarves in Tirana. I provided the designer with examples of the patterns that I liked as well as the colours that I both love, and that represent how I see this country; pastels, bright blues, and wonderful vibrant pinks. The result was four designs that I have had printed on fabric.
The scarves measure 135cm x 40 cm and are printed on a synthetic, semi-translucent fabric. All items are made to order so if you want different dimensions or fabric such as silk, or even different thicknesses or finishes, we can accommodate you and print to your exact specifications with a turn around time of 2-3 working days.
If you live abroad, they can be posted to you with personalised messages, if they are gifts. Postage and packaging will be quoted upon receipt of order.
The scarves start at EUR 17/ 2200 Lek and EUR 4/ 550 Lek, which is ALL of the profit, goes to charity. I have not asked Lizard Print for a discount on their prices as I want them to make their profit margin as a small business, and I am not taking one single cent or lek in profit for myself. All proceeds, plus any additional donations that someone might want to give, go directly into the hands of the charity.
The charity I have chosen to support is one that is close to my heart. Useful to Albanian Women is run by Sevim Arbana and it is a social humanitarian, non-political, non-religious, non-profit organization that fights for the protection of women’s and children’s rights. The association was established in March 1993 and registered office at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in September 1993. In January 24, 1996 it was registered at the Albanian Republic Court, according to Decision No.285.
UAW operates through its main programs established in different cities and running as Community centres (with the focus in community members, women, youth and children) and Professional Vocation centres (with the focus in vulnerable youth ). It has a head office in Tirana as well as other centres in Elbasan, Durres, Burrel, Puka, Lezha, Shkodra, Vlora, Gjirokastra, Saranda, and Kukes. The Tirana HQ runs a range of different activities as well as working on lobbying and advocacy for women’s issues, youth issues, children issues, environment, health, and legal matters.
For the present time, you can place orders with me directly, but in the coming weeks, I will be announcing stockists in and around Tirana.
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