In January 2008, RTFT released its first limited edition collection of individually, hand-crafted carryall bags in the Kantha Collection.

The artisans — whom the founders located through the International Fair Trade Association — earn roughly 60 percent more than they would for comparable factory jobs and have access to health

care, education for their children, as well as marketing and skills training.

In 2011, RTFT introduced the second line of handbags, the African-inspired Zola & Zaria Collection.

This fall, RTFT introduces the Ikat Collection, the company’s first foray into original, hand-woven textiles.

Rising Tide Fair Trade (RTFT) was founded in June of 2004 by Virginia Dooley and Nicole Jones, two friends united by an obsession with exotic textiles and a belief that ethics and fashion should go handin-

hand. Dooley and Jones met while pursuing their graduate degrees in London. Inspired by the prevalence and popularity of fair trade goods in the U.K. and the lack of such products in the U.S., the friends started RTFT to fill a hole they saw in the American market and to disseminate fair trade labor

practices to mainstream shoppers.

The Ikat Collection weaves together culture and design into a textured, versatile print.

Retail: $120

Sophisticated tailoring

Black and white woven cotton ikat print (produces a grey effect)

Interior lined with vibrant red, yellow or blue print cotton.

Functional interior divider, zipper pocket and compartments.

Finished with khaki grey leather and brass hardware

Retail: $140

Functional and lightweight, makes a perfect in-flight bag.

Black and white woven cotton ikat print (produces a grey effect). Interior lined with vibrant red, yellow or blue print cotton.

Two large, functional pockets with snap closure; Interior zipper pocket and compartments.

Can be worn as a shoulder bag (top) or as a crossbody bag (right)

Finished with khaki grey leather and brass hardware

NOTE: Bags shown on model for scale.

Pattern design shown here differs slightly from actual.

Retail $50. Details: 18" x 18" with an 18" drop. Loom woven cotton. Zipper closure for added security. Also available in Sunset and Sunrise as shown below.

Ikat Bengali Bag in Sunrise, with teal cotton piping on zipper closure.

Ikat Bengali Bag in Sunset, with violet cotton piping on zipper closure.

The Zola & Zaria collection uses batiks, shwe-shwe prints, tye-dyes and wax prints sourced directly from markets around Sub-Saharan Africa and combines them with

cruelty-free leather finishes to create strong, globally influenced patterns and styles.

Retail $65 additional patterns available online

Details: 8" w x 11" h, cotton & leather, small interior zipper with magnetic button

Retail $165 Additional patterns available online

Details: 15" h, 13" w, 4.5" deep with a 9.5" drop; cotton & leather; 3 interior pockets; magnetic closure

Retail $70. Details: 10" x 14"; cotton & faux leather, snap button, optional adjustable crossbody strap; suitable for iPad

Available in 5 prints with gold piping. Check website for current prints.

The Kantha Collection is hand-crafted from vibrant vintage Indian cotton saris. The globally influenced patterns are woven together with the finest kantha embroidery. The Kantha Collection

features five styles in ever evolving variety of patterns. Additional patterns available online.

Cover and above: Retail $220. Details: 20”w x 14”h x 10”d. Strap length is 12” drop.

Large exterior and small interior pocket. Cotton lined and finished in cruelty-free brown leather or suede.

Retail $150. Details: 12” x 14” folded and is 3.5” deep. When worn straight, the bag is 18.5” long. The handle has a 5.5” drop and the adjustable cross body strap is at it shortest 15.5” and at its longest, 26”. Front exterior pocket and small interior pocket. Cotton lined and finished in cruelty-free brown leather.

Retail $140. Details: 26"w x 14"h x 9" round leather base, strap length is 9" drop. Small interior pocket and two compartments designed to fit cell phone, keys. Cotton lined and finished in cruelty-free brown leather.

Retail $50. Details: 18”x 18” with an 18” drop on the shoulder strap and

features a top zipper closure for added security. It can be worn in three ways: As a shoulder bag, across the body, or as a backpack. Loose shape constructed of upcycled cotton kantha stitched saris,

with a solid cotton contrast strap.

Retail $60. Details: 12”H x 16”W x 6”D. Small interior pocket and two compartments designed to fit cell phone, keys; magnetic closure; canvas and cotton.

Retail $45. Details: 9" brass zipper closure, 10" wide wide, 7" length.

6.5" interior zip pocket, plus two small compartments. Lined in black/white floral print cotton.

Retail $285

Size: 64 x 87 in. Unique circular kantha stitch. Comprised of five layers of upcycled cotton saris resulting in a light weight coverlet. Each side of the quilt will vary with unique patterns. Additional prints available online.

WWW.RTFAIRTRADE.COM

MEDIA INQUIRIES: ABARTON@BARTONSOUTH.COM

Credits – Cover, White Wool Scarf, Indego Africa; Page 16: Maxi Dress, One Mango Tree. Bangle Bracelets, Indego Africa.