From Sri Lanka to LA: Goods from the Tsunami

In April 2005, Suba Ude's focus turned to sustainable creative projects with the set up of a sewing collective for tsunami-affected women. Under the guidance of Goodwin, who formerly worked in Los Angeles as a stylist and costume designer, the seamstresses began creating Monkbags -- handbags made of fabric traditionally carried by Buddhist monks. Today, the group has expanded their offerings to five different bag designs including yoga and beach bags. Their skills have also crossed over into garments like dresses, pants and Indian-style blouses. Not only has the collective created an income and business from where there was none, but it has often served as an unofficial support group for its members.

Explains Goodwin, “We were making bags and making money, but in the same regard it was a bunch of women that had a terrible thing happen to them and they were bonding through it. A lot of them said that the friendships they have made are lifelong friendships. There have been really emotional stories of overcoming fear and succumbing to loss, and then this beautiful twist of fate of their lives changing with the whole new idea of work and the idea of improving their lifestyle through the Monkbag project. However, I just returned from Sri Lanka a few weeks ago and I found the general consensus was that even with all the aid they received [from relief organizations or the government], they are still not living up to the same level of quality of life before the tsunami.”

Yet these women aren’t sitting around waiting for help to arrive. “They have come to terms that their lives are forever changed,” notes Goodwin. “They’ve stopped waiting for government help or hoping that it will be like it was before.”

The money from the sale will affect the lives of these women in ways beyond simply buying extra food or fixing up the house. “One woman told me her baby’s arm wasn’t working, so after two months she made enough money to pay for a doctor to help her baby," Goodwin explains. "Another woman said they were able to pay for a special course for her son so he could learn a trade. One girl told me she was secretly buying a piece of land because her husband was abusive and she planned to leave him. Or it's even a girl who had never bought herself something her entire life and used some of her earnings to buy herself a gold bracelet. It’s amazing to hear how all this has impacted their lives."

As for the event Sunday, the merchandise offers something for every woman. Goodwin tells us, “There are casual items and some outrageous one-of-a-kind pieces as well, great for wintery weddings or glam parties. We’ll be hosting wine and sweets. It’ll be fun to shop and it’s a good opportunity for women to meet other women. You can get an early start on Christmas or treat yourself without any guilt."

Suba Ude Presents: Sri Lankan Sample Sale
12:30 – 5:30 p.m.
2235 Prospect Ave.
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 560-2793

Photos courtesy of Suba Ude