Some of the most beautiful designs and unique traditions of craftsmanship come from the world's most impoverished and war-torn nations. Artisans and crafts people are central to the culture and economy of their communities. They provide employment for many people. They also continue ancient traditions that are integral to their country's identity and sense of national pride. But without access to wider markets these artisans and their traditions are unlikely to survive.

The word 'jali' refers to an intricate form of lattice woodwork used instead of windows in historic architecture across Asia. For us, 'jali' is about connecting people and places - preserving distinct cultures and connecting worlds. By promoting these beautiful and practical pieces of contemporary design, Jali Designs connects artisans and small businesses in Central and South Asia to the global economy. We believe that this is the most effective way to improve people's lives and transform communities both in Canada and the developing world.

Hedvig Christine Alexander spent seven years in Afghanistan working in international development. She established the Peace Dividend Trust in Afghanistan, an organization stimulating the local economy by encouraging international businesses to support local goods and services. Later she became Managing Director of Turquoise Mountain, a charity promoting education of traditional Afghan art and architecture, and running a major heritage and regeneration program in the Old City of Kabul. During her time in Afghanistan, Hedvig Christine fell in love with the beautiful traditions of art, architecture and design in the region, and believed that there was an opportunity to support local artisans by promoting their exquisite pieces to Western buyers.

In 2009, after moving to Canada with her husband Chris, the former Canadian Ambassador to Afghanistan, and their daughter, she launched Jali Designs - a new line of contemporary fashion accessories and homewares.

Hedvig Christine Alexander is founder of Jali Designs

Jemima is an independent curator and writer who worked for the Tate Gallery and the Arts Council in London before joining Turquoise Mountain in Afghanistan in 2006. As one of the charity’s founder-directors, she helped set up the Institute of Afghan Arts and Architecture and ran a department founding cultural initiatives including an annual Afghan Contemporary Art Prize and exhibitions of contemporary art from the region. In 2009 she organized a major contemporary art exhibition from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran, exhibited first in Kabul and Islamabad, Pakistan, before showing at the Venice Biennale in Italy. Jemima has always passionately loved the textiles and crafts of South and Central Asia, and has travelled extensively across the region, building strong networks of artists and artisans.

As Creative Director of Jali Designs, Jemima works closely with our current partner artisans, designers and producers on product development, and brings her creative flare to identify new product lines from the most exciting artisans and producers across the region.

Jemima Montagu is Creative Director of Jali Designs