Sshhh… Wilderness Bazaar is here!
Happy St Patrick’s day! As a non-drinker and someone who has only a few drops of Irish blood running through their veins, it’s not something I normally celebrate, except for the fact that it’s also St Gertrude’s day (patron saint of CATS!) and my own birthday. This year, though, it’s also the start of Fashion Week here in Melbourne, so what better day to launch my fair trade accessories label? Say hello to Wilderness Bazaar!
I’m still setting up shop which is why I’m not going crazy on social media yet*, but decided yesterday that I didn’t want to wait any longer to share this project that I’ve been working on for the past year or so (this sudden decision explains the lack of make-up in these photos… hmm… might have to get a proper model for my official store shots!). If you ever wondered why I have been to Laos so many times** in the past few years, well, these earrings are the reason! They’re made in Ban Napia, a village that was severely bombed during the Secret War. The villagers started making spoons and other small items from melted down bomb casings and other scrap aluminium (recycling at its best) so I got them to try making earrings, and this is the result. There are five styles, each named to honour one of the ladies from the family I worked with in Laos, and all designed to follow the shape of the ear. I think there’s a style for everyone, whether you’re a fan of minimalism or like more out-there adornments.
“Kommaly”
“Phoukham”
What do you think? As I said, I still need to work on the store a bit, but if you’re interested in getting your hands on some, you can contact me through the store or by email at fourthdaughter@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your feedback!
*Not about Wilderness Bazaar, anyway. I have gone a little bit crazy posting pictures of my new cat, but if you follow me on any of my social media you would know that already…
**For those who want to catch up on my adventures there, just search “Laos” in the “Looking for something?” field at the bottom of the page.
That’s pretty exciting!