Style and charity from owner of 1968accessories, Caroline Gray
Based on the beautiful Isle of Purbeck, 1968accessories specialises in handmade, contemporary fashion jewellery and accessories. Launching this March, my new collection of make-up bags has been created in support of domestic abuse charity ‘SafeLives’. 60% of all sales of the make-up bags will be donated directly to the charity.
This project came about due to what happened on 23rd March 2020; my birthday and – far more seriously – the start of lockdown. For most of us, the year that followed has been a tough one for one reason or another. One of the most shocking things to have come to light since then, however, is the steep rise in domestic abuse. A year that has been simply boring for some of us has been frightening and dangerous for far too many more.
In April 2020, I started to make face masks for care workers, and by the summer, was also selling them online. I try hard to operate 1968accessories as a near-zero waste company, reusing any scrap fabric I can, which is how the idea for the charity make-up bags was born. With the help of my mum, all the fabric scraps leftover from the making of face masks were turned into new lengths of patchwork fabric. My decision to turn them into make-up bags was inspired by the heartbreaking reality that women so often use make-up to hide the visible signs of abuse. I chose to support ‘SafeLives’ charity as they help all victims of domestic abuse including men. You can visit their website at safelives.org.uk.
More details about this project and SafeLives can be found on my website at 1968accessories.com/blog. On a positive note, I look forward to seeing you in the shop, where you can enjoy 20% off your first order by using the code ‘Dorset’ at the checkout.
