Forever in My Heart

To My Dear Cambodian Sisters,

What a joy it has been getting to know you and your amazing country.  I feel that I have made so many wonderful new friends and sisters.

You welcomed us into your families….

And into you humble homes…. showing us such hospitality and grace.

Though you may not have much, your hearts were big and your smiles contagious.

You were the best model’s we’ve ever had…

Beautiful inside and out.

Behind those lovely faces, you would never know the pain and horror so many of you have faced.  

Yet you are Courageous.  Strong.  Determined.  Talented…

And full of Personality and Dreams.

It is with joy that I can return to share your stories and fabulous designs. Thank you for trusting us.  You are in my heart forever.  

Missing you already,

Kirsten

Magical Angkor

Dear Mystical Temples of Angkor,

I felt like I was on the set of a movie as I wandered your millennium old ruins…

You were beautiful, romantic, and mezmorizing…

Everything seemed surreal.

I think you will remain in my dreams for quite some time.  

Kirsten

Displaced

Dear Maleng,

Thank you so much for welcoming us to learn more about what happened to your family and neighbors last week.  Its so hard to understand why the government could bulldoze your home of 10 years with no warning…

Leaving you and hundreds of other families with nothing but rubble.

I am so deeply sorry. I want you to know that I will be praying for you as you seek to provide for your 6 children and start over in your new home that overlooks your former.  I’m so happy that our design partnership will help provide for your family’s needs.  I wish we could do more, but we will do what we can.

So many beautiful ones played around us as you shared your story.  They too lost everything, but not their smiles.

In the short time I’ve been here, my heart has welled up with a deep love for this country and her people….especially the children and women.  I am thankful for our new friendship.

With love,

Kirsten

Keok’Jay

Dear R+L Customers and Supporters,

Greetings from lovely Cambodia!  We’re having such an incredible time working on the Fall/Winter 2012 Collection with our new Cambodian partnership - Keok’Jay (meaning: fresh green fashion in Khmer).  This wonderful social business trains HIV positive women from vulnerable backgrounds in design skills. The women are so beautiful and hospitable!

We loved sharing lunch together…each lady brings a dish to share on a daily basis.  Such a sweet way to form community.

We were so impressed with their inspiration boards for their local collection, and it was amazing that they were inspired by many of the same colors and ideas as Raven + Lily!

They have a wonderful local store that caters to the expat community.  Rachel is the founder of Keok’ Jay, and she’s been here almost 4 years investing in the lives of these women through her social design business. 

Yesterday we spent time going to the markets to sort through remnant fabrics for our new collection!  

The mounds of fabric were endless…with a few surprises along the way (I promise he’s just sleeping).

The last room was filled to the brim with treasures.  Our new t-shirt collection will be made from natural died jersey remnants.

Our tote bags, clutches, and home collection will be made from beautiful natural dyed hand loomed fabrics….my personal favorite type of fabric.  This is just a little sneak peak photo for you.

I just know you are going to love this collection, and I know you’ll love hearing the stories of these amazing women….but you’ll have to wait till Fall.  But never fear, our newest designs for our Spring 2012 collection launch soon.  We’re so excited to share those with you.

Heading out the door to jump on a “tuk tuk”…our choice of transportation in Cambodia. Why don’t we have these in the states?  Amazing that 6 monks could fit in one!

Have a lovely day and stayed tuned for more updates on our adventure….Angkor Wat here we come!

Blessings from “The Charming City,”

Kirsten