Details:

• CSAO’s Embroidered cushions are perfect to decorate your home with or as a gift that is both beautiful, original and ethical. They are however much more than that: entirely embroidered by hand by women in Senegal , they contribute to their emancipation through work. Decorate your sofa or your bed by making a solidarity gesture!

• Cotton cushion cover with embroidered motif and flowers, sold with its polycotton silicone polyester fiber cushion interior made in the Ardennes in France.

• Cushion size: 20 x 33 cm (approx.)

• Handcrafted product: dimensions may vary by a few centimeters, thank you for your understanding ♥

• 1 cushion = 1 day of hand embroidery work

CSAO (Compagnie du Sénégal et de l'Afrique de l'Ouest) was founded in 1995 in Paris by Valérie Schlumberger. After living and working with local artisans in Senegal and West Africa for more than a decade, Valérie returned to her native France where she opened her first Parisian boutique. Her aim, to disseminate in France and Europe the fruits of the work of the best craftsmen and women in West Africa. In conjunction with the opening of the brand’s Parisian boutique, Valérie also created ASAO, a charitable organisation that oversees a number of social initiatives in Senegal.

Since 2012 Ondine Saglio, Valérie's daughter, has joined the adventure. Ondine has been able to revalue noble ancestral traditions such as embroidery. By organizing embroidery workshops, over 150 women create cushions, bags and other accessories which have now become some of the brand’s most recognisable products gaining cult following among trendsetters from around the globe.

Previously without income or living in demanding and precarious occupations, these women can now support their families with a regular income. They play with threads, materials and colours and are proud of the results produced through their rigorous work. They have the opportunity to work at home to look after their children, or in the workshop where they are able to socialise, exchange, communicate and laugh with their peers. Confidence in themselves has being gained and they take great pride in creating these special and unique pieces.