Brands + Artisans.
LOVE DOT is the retail home to 15 international artisan brands spanning 3 continents. Our brands are global by nature and sustainable by choice. Some span continents - with items being designed in the U.S. and crafted in artisan workshops around the world. While others are born from the hearts and imaginations of master craftsmen/women.
All of our brands align to the fair trade principles, outlined below, established by the World Fair Trade Organization.
1. Create Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers
This means supporting marginalized, small producers, whether these are independent family businesses, associations or co-operatives. It seeks to move towards a secure income, self-sufficiency and ownership.
2. Transparency and Accountability
Communication must be open at all levels of the supply chain and management and commercial relations transparent. Being accountable to all stakeholders and appropriately involve employees, members and producers in the decision-making processes.
3. Fair Trading Practices
This means trading with concern for social, economic and environmental well-being of marginalized small producers, and not maximizing profits at their expense; conducting all trade in a fair and transparent way; protecting cultural identity and traditional skills.
4. Fair Price and Payment
A fair price is mutually agreed by all involved through dialogue and participation which provides fair pay to the producers and can also be sustained by the market.
5. Ensuring no Child Labor and Forced Labor
Adhering to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and national/local laws on employment of children; ensuring there is no forced labor in its workforce, members or home workers. Any involvement of children in the production is always disclosed and monitored and does not adversely affect the children’s well-being, security, education and need for play.
6. Commitment to Non-Discrimination, Gender Equality, Freedom of Association
No discrimination in hiring, remuneration, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement based on race, caste, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, political affiliation, HIV/Aids status or age. Gender equality is promoted and ensures that women are given opportunities, full employment rights and full statutory employment benefits and receive equal pay for equal work. All employees’ rights are respected to form and join trade unions of their choice.
7. Ensuring Good Working Conditions
Providing safe and healthy working conditions for all, working hours and conditions comply with national, local and ILO conventions; raising awareness of health and safety issues to improve practices.
8. Providing Capacity Building
Increase positive impacts for small, marginalized producers through Fair Trade; developing skills and capabilities of its employees or members.
9. Promoting Fair Trade
Raise awareness of the aim of Fair Trade and the need for greater justice in world trade.
10. Respect for the Environment
Maximize the use of raw materials from sustainable managed sources and buying locally where possible; reduce energy consumption and use renewable energy when possible; use organic or low pesticide production methods wherever possible; use recycled or easily biodegradable materials for packing and goods despatched by sea wherever possible.
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Ciao Italy! Collection
Brands: Luca Giardini and Roberto Mantellassi
Luca Giardini is a Master leather artisan. He utilizes the oldest leatherworking traditions passed on through generations, applying them to modern designs that tip the balance of minimalism and luxury. His attention to every detail is what sets his work apart. His workshop lies in the heart of Padova, Italy and is where he crafts his creations - all by hand. Love Dot is home to Luca's La Tracollina collection.
Shop La Tracollina Now.
Beginning his career at the age of 14, Roberto Mantellassi honed his passion for craftsmanship by working alongside established Masters. He founded his namesake brand in 1999 in the charming town of Cerreto Guidi near Florence, beginning with keyrings and eventually branching out to bracelets and other accessories.
Roberto Mantellassi only uses the highest quality leathers and metals with all creations designed and made by hand in Tuscany, Italy.
Shop Roberto Mantellassi here.
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From Kenya, with Love Collection
Brands: SOKO, Kapoeta by Ambica
Soko is pioneering Ethical Fashion, aligning handmade talent from emerging markets. The brand is designed in San Francisco with each piece made, by hand, in Narobi, Kenya by artisan entrepreneurs. Soko works with these entrepreneurs to build their businesses, improve production capacity, and sustainably increase their income.
- Artisans receive an average of 22% of retained revenue.
- 2,300+ artisans in 282 workshops throughout Kenya.
- Artisans working with SOKO earn 5x’s more than an average artisan workshop.
All jewelry is made of sustainable materials, including brass and cow-horn products. All cow-horn products are crafted from the horn of Ankole Longhorn cattle, a breed native to the Rift Valley of East Africa. Soko artisans ethically procure this recycled material, which is a byproduct of the food industry, from nomadic tribes in Kenya and Uganda. Reclaimed horn has gorgeous natural variation in its color, so every piece is individual as a result and can range from a dark lustrous black to striated natural tones.
Shop select pieces from Soko here.
Kapoeta by Ambica
Kapoeta by Ambica is a luxury collection of handmade feather jewelry and accessories where each unique feather piece beautifully combines edgy, extravagant and elegant. Founded in 2016 as an African eco-fashion brand, Ambica supports ethical and sustainable sourcing, production and design.
Feather fashion sprang to life and today she sources her feathers, beads and leather from local Kenyan entrepreneurs with a vision for supporting local communities.
Ambica works closely with the fly-tying community in Kenya where she collects the off cuts and recycles the feathers into her creations. All materials are ethically sourced from local entrepreneurs and individuals with the aim of empowering and supporting the local community and environment.
Shop select pieces from Kapoeta by Ambica here.
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Brands: Taylor & Tessier, Joya
Adam and Taylor’s merger was organic, and their line has grown the same way. Working long hours side-by-side in a 100-year old workshop in Aspen to bring T&T to life, their four hands have shaped every step of the process.
Taylor’s tenacity and natural business acumen is the driving force behind T&T. At age 12, she walked into Aspen bead store, Hot Mama, and requested a job. “Come back in a year,” was the reply. To no one’s surprise, she did, and has been working to refine her craft ever since, making the rounds at local salons to sell jewelry and securing a booth at the Aspen Saturday Market.
Raised by a painter and a writer in Northern Idaho, Adam was inspired by Taylor’s passion. Her creative vision and tenacity were a natural fit with Adam’s business savvy and artistic DNA. Determined to build a business together, they drew on the feedback and support of the gracious, innovative residents of the Valley to hone their vision. Today, their artistic partnership feeds their marriage and vice versa.
Shop select pieces from T & T's Summer collection here.
Joya: Handmade Artisan Jewelry
Joya is a curated collection of hand-crafted jewelry created by artisan communities around the world. Each Joya piece is 100% hand-crafted by expert artisan jewelers using traditional jewelry making and textile techniques.
Coming soon...
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Aba is the manufacturing epicenter of southeast Nigeria. Its sense of craftsmanship is buried deep within Nigerian/Igbo culture and is reflective of the region. Our Naija Pride Ankara Kimono collection is handmade in Aba. We chose two local designers, Helen's Classic Creations and Chinemerem Designs - to guide the design and execution of the collection. Their passion for fashion and attention to detail shines through every stitch.
Shop our Ankara Kimonos here.
Viktor Reid, Ankara print pencil skirts
Coming soon...
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Featuring Koluntu
Info coming soon....
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