Forty Red Bangles' Ramona Saboo on buying responsibly
Ramona Saboo, of Forty Red Bangles, a platform that combines online sales and sustainable retail, talks about buying responsibly.
Ramona Saboo, of Forty Red Bangles, a platform that combines online sales and sustainable retail, talks about buying responsibly.
What is Forty Red Bangles about? Forty Red Bangles is a socially conscious company that aims to create a sustainable luxury line for buyers, designed by local talent, NGOs, to supporting sustainable community development. The brand focuses on creating quality and limited products ensuring that each one is handmade and the buyer enjoys the experience of it. Forty Red Bangles has been present online since the beginning of 2011, with the official website and online store launched recently. How do you support sustainable retail? We believe that everyone has a tale to tell, a unique journey that ought to be shared. It is with this belief, we set off across the country to discover organisations, excelling in their field and bringing to the world one of a kind creations. We look out for innovative and sustainable design concepts. An example of this is the work we do with an NGO in Karnataka, called the Kishkinda Trust. As part of a community-based project, banana plants are sustainably harvested and the banana fibre is woven into beautiful bags. This helps the community to supplement their income and become self-sustained; and we get to share their distinctive, skilled handicrafts with the world.
Buying in India is still a very touch and feel process. How do you tackle that, while dabbling in online sales? There is a growing awareness not only about online shopping, but also about buying products that are eco-friendly. The discerning customer would not consider shopping online to be a hurdle in the search for high quality, socially conscious products. All our processes such as sizing, delivery etc. have been carefully researched to make the entire experience as fuss-free as possible. What lies ahead for Forty Red Bangles? Forty Red Bangles hopes to be at the forefront of ethical fashion and lifestyle products — raising awareness and offering people a more responsible choice. Over time, we will evolve into a complete lifestyle brand that comprises clothing, accessories, jewellery, home-wares, toys and bedding. We are also looking to open a concept store, complete with a gourmet organic café.