afghanhands

Kabul is GRRRRREEEEENNNN not the western kind

thank God!  When I first came home, I found Kabul totally dusty and absolutely depressing.  Kids were running around in the dirt and there was not a blade of grass in sight.  This trip, it looks like people finally are sick and tired of waiting for the government to do everything for them and one can see a lot of green lawns, parks and trees.  in spring of 2004 when I returned to NY, I was so sad looking at dust everywhere. I remember clearly that I had a dream. In the drem, I was playing ball with my dog Dimka (a chihuahua that I had to leave behind in Kabul when I had to flee the country).  I bend down to get the ball and trow it for him to fetch and as I look up in slow motion, I see tall green grass EVERYWHERE.  It was so overwhelming that I began to cry from happiness.  I woke up all chocked up and teary eyes, sobbing uncontrollably.  now, four years later, there are patches of green everywhere in central Kabul.  and I thank God and the people that care for the lad.

New work, New Friends, New Projects

I arrived in Kabul at 9 am on the 14th of August.  I directly went to bring new works and ideas to some of the ladies in the project.  A couple of months prior to coming to Afghanistan, I met an amazing young designer named Joel Diaz.  He is not only beyond talented but his disposition and sweet nature is almost hard to believe in the fashion culture.  We started talking about some bag that I wanted to make and made an appoitment with him to go bring the bag in question.  When I entered his studio, I was blown away but the amount of good energy, beautiful work and amazing life and his loved ones.  His partner Christina LaPens, his babies, and the people that work with him were all equally as talented and passionate.  together, they produce a beautiful line called Jolibe.  I was wearing my Afghan Hands scarf (But of course!!!!) and they like the work.  He started to brainstorm and took a few scarves and draped it on maniquins.... this went on for a few weeks.
The day of my departure and the day before it, he gave me his final dresses in the most luxurious orgaza and chiffon to bring home to Afghanistan and embroider.  They look so freakin amazing!!!! Of course I will unveil them after sept.7 when he shows his spring collection collaborations with Afghan Hands. 

Noor jaan and I explaining Jolibe concept to Anousha Homayra