Supplier Spotlight

Jackie Corlett is a British designer who moved to Bangladesh in 1989. She designed handmade fabrics and products to ensure orders and a good income for the talented artisans who made them. Jackie knew the fabrics being woven were keeping families healthy, kids educated and folk away from money lenders. From then on a passion to bring design and craft skills together for good was born and she was hooked on Fair Trade.

In 1998 Jackie and her Production Supervisor, Jharna, together with 2 other local investors were excited to set up Motif, Sustainable Fabrics and Ethical Products.

I first heard about Jackie’s fabrics from fellow designer, Mrs. Emily, who uses Motif fabrics for many of her skirts. I knew I wanted to try these handwoven, recycled fabrics for myself, but I wasn’t sure where to start, or what garments they would be right for. Then Jackie reached out looking for designer partners to sample their fabrics and feature them, and I responded immediately. The same week I started talking to my upcoming Suitcase Series interviewee about what pieces she would like custom made for her shoot, and low and behold the fabrics that Jackie sent were exactly the right thing for Leilani’s outfit, and another sample of that garment, Monday Shirt, coming soon.

These fabrics are so soft, and get fluffy and light with washing. They are 75% cotton and 25% blended fibers from recycling. They are handwoven in Motif’s fair trade factories in Bangladesh. I am so excited to continue to partner with this company. You are going to love what we make together.