PUBLISHED August 3rd, 2012 05:04 pm | UPDATED July 22nd, 2024 03:19 pm
Fashion is a fickle old world. I absolutely love it, live it and hanker for overly expensive handbags and the Chloe Spring 2013 Collection, but in moments of clarity, I know it’s a frivolous pursuit. And then, every once in a while, a business like Saught comes along and fills me with hope and happiness.
Saught is a company born out of social conscience and yet the product is exquisite. I say that genuinely and with an element of surprise because, quite often chic is overlooked for conscience. Not so with Saught, if you didn’t know the origins of their jewellery, you would find it charming and delightful; add the background and it becomes a most inspirational story.
All Saught products are made from scrap metal of landmines and unexploded ordnance. Ok, let’s just think on that for a moment. Is it strange that something built to destroy could be turned into something beautiful?…OR is it the ultimate defiance to the tyrants who use these barbaric machines? That they are now being used to support post-conflict countries.
From destruction comes rejuvenation.
Post-conflict countries often struggle with lack of employment opportunities and extreme poverty. Cambodia is still one of 48 least developed countries in the world with an economy that is slowly recovering. Saught’s collaborative business model involves partnering with income generation projects in Cambodia such as the Fileo Development Organisation and the Rajana Association in order to ensure that “all artisan groups of Cambodia will earn a fair wage, be treated with dignity and have sustainable livelihoods’.
Again, let’s pause a moment. Saught, in association with NGOs based in Cambodia is training and equipping young Cambodians in the skills of jewellery making, not only ensuring them an income but also a future.
I hope my admiration for Saught is blatantly obvious. Pamela, SookZhen and Adeline, the three founders and directors, have set in motion an inspirational and unifying objective. To highlight conflict, utilise its tools for good, empower those affected by it and create something positive from it. And whenever you buy a piece from their collection, they reinvest profits back into development efforts in Cambodia. Talk about making a difference !
So, now we know the history, what about the jewellery itself.
The bracelet, ‘Petals on a Bloom’ is a favourite of mine from the ‘Freedom from War collection’. Priced at $59.90
With statement necklaces still the go-to, for an instant style injection you can’t go far wrong with the ‘Bricks of Hope necklace’ from the ‘Freedom from Fear collection’, priced at $119.90.
And another favourite…the ring from the ‘Freedom from Fear’ collection, the ‘Union of Strengths Square Ring’ is a steal at $69.90.
I think the jewellery is fabulous and due to collaborations with design students from the Temasek Polytechnic right here in Singapore, I expect more exciting designs to come. Sometimes you just have to believe that socially-conscious, thoughtful innovators like these guys will do well, because where most of us give a little to charity and feel guilty for not doing more, Saught is doing something innovative and tangible, and I salute them for it.
Written by Heh Zee