MADE 51 / UNCHR

Refugee Craft Collaboration

In partnership with MADE51, an initiative established in 2018 by UNHCR, we connected refugee Somali beading artisans with an international fashion and interiors brand through a co-creation process.

Together we developed beaded shoulder straps and bag handles, that met full brand quality standards, with complete traceability and on time delivery.   

The collaboration preserved traditional craft and generated real income for the refugee artists enabling them to continue with their craft. Building for a dignified and independent return to their hometowns.

Big Blue Dot led the project end-to-end, from identifying the opportunity to building the partnership and delivering the final components. The level of skill was exceptional, matched by how smoothly the project came together. With 29.4 million refugees and 62.5 million internally displaced people worldwide, the need to bridge the gap between the artisans and international businesses is huge. Made51 make this possible by breaking down the legal and market barriers.