New Lipault travel bag to empower refugee children
(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Ashraf Abu Issa, Chairman, Abu Issa Holding; Maya Farhat, Brand Manager, Palestyle, and other officials at the launch at Blue Salon. Pic: Baher A / The Peninsula
Doha: Lipault, a leading bag and luggage brand based in France, has launched a new travel bag collection in Qatar, focussed on a humanitarian cause.
Designed in collaboration with Palestyle, a design house that works with refugee artisans for social and economic empowerment, the new product line will raise proceeds for community libraries in Jordan with high concentration of displaced children.
The Lipault brand is distributed in the GCC by Abu Issa Holdings in Qatar, which operates diverse and market-leading businesses.
Ashraf Abu Issa, Chairman, Abu Issa Holdings, explained the significance of the launch at Blue Salon: “We continuously endeavour to build socially-conscious brands in the region. Extending Lipault’s heritage in enhancing travel experience with stylish designs and durable bags, the new collection aims to provide travellers with an opportunity to contribute to the psychological and intellectual development of displaced people, especially children.”
The bags, courtesy of Palestyle’s trained artisans, exhibit the cross-stitch technique to form uniquely embroidered patterns that symbolise prosperity, success and strength in the face of odds. “The aesthetics of the new collection is a story in itself. The intricate designs and vibrant colours are a reminder of the rich Arab heritage, and evokes optimism among the people of the region. Employing the design acumen of Palestyle members — refugee women — also allows us to give back towards skills and community development,” Ashraf added.
By directing sales proceeds towards building community libraries, the brand aims to alleviate psychological distress among displaced children through bibliotherapy – a healing technique that involves the reading of specific texts and collective reading. Plans also involve festive book distribution events and engaging storytelling sessions. Ashraf said the blend of participative fashion and books can be tapped for social impact. “By harnessing bibliotherapy, we are attempting to rebuild the psychological and intellectual foundations of children through imagination, creativity and exploration. Books have the power to help restore normalcy in tumultuous lives and, even if momentarily, live in a different world inspired by the author’s imagination.” The new collection is part of efforts by Lipault and Abu Issa Holdings to highlight social causes in the region and address them through collaborative solutions driven by partnerships between brands and organisations on building a stable environment. The bags, intertwined with the planned community libraries, hope to nurture the region’s children and help turn a new chapter in their lives.The Peninsula