I am THRILLED to announce that I can now add wallets to my textile design list! Last winter I was approached by Lia Valero, one of the founders of Malia Designs. Malia Designs is a fair trade bag company working with women in Cambodia, rescued from human trafficking. They are such an inspirational company and their tagline "Designed to Carry a Cause" is beyond appropriate.

Textile Design by Shifra Whiteman. Wallet by Malia Designs.

During the initial design meeting, it was pretty clear that Lia had a direction and gave me the reigns to run with it. In the past the textiles have gravitated more towards organic floral designs, inspired by the natural flora and fauna of Cambodia. However, times are changing and she felt Malia Designs needed a fresh new perspective. I designed a few patterns for them, but in the end we chose two variations of this triangle print for their Fall 2014 collection. Together we played with colors (there are some fantastic bright colors in the lining!) and decided the pattern fit the signature collection of silk wallets.

Textile Design by Shifra Whiteman. Wallet by Malia Design.

Rumor has it, they are so successful because I haven't even gotten my wallet yet! The first shipment instantly flew off the shelves! Thankfully the second shipment is in and you can get your own wallet by clicking here.

Malia Designs also supports Stop Traffick, is a Chicago-based, grassroots effort to raise funds for victims of human trafficking and spread awareness about this critical human rights issue. One of the 2 organizations they support is Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, known as CAASE. Please consider donating to CAASE.