Sonali Dharmawardena hero

OUR STORY

Sonali Dharmawardena

Every piece in our studio is shaped by hand, guided by time, material, and the intuition of the maker. No two are ever the same. Even when a design is revisited, it is reinterpreted through the process, resulting in subtle variations that give each piece its own identity. We do not create replicas, only continuations. What begins as a shared idea evolves into something distinct, carrying the imprint of the hands that made it and the moment in which it was created. Our studio works at a deliberate pace, with small, considered production that respects both tradition and the natural qualities of each material. Each garment is not simply made, but developed through attention, care, and experience. To wear one of our pieces is to engage with something singular, a reflection of craft, process, and human presence.
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OUR ETHICS AND SUSTAINABILITY PROFILE

Our approach to ethics and sustainability is grounded in practice, not positioning. We work in close proximity with our makers, building long-term relationships that prioritise stability, fairness, and dignity. All artisans are based within the Sonali Dharmawardena studio, creating a shared environment that allows for flexibility, daily support, and the continuity of skills across generations. The studio is deeply embedded in the surrounding community, functioning as more than a place of production. It provides childcare through an on-site creche, weekly English classes for staff children, and shared meals. Access to medical care, pension support, and flexible working hours allows women to balance work with caregiving responsibilities. Ongoing training and development workshops create pathways for growth, confidence, and long-term independence. Production is intentionally small-scale, with limited quantities that avoid excess and reduce waste. Each piece is developed with care and time, encouraging longevity and a more considered relationship between the object and the person who carries it. Materials are selected with responsibility in mind. Wherever possible, we work with natural and locally sourced textiles, supported by processes that minimise chemical use and follow strict water management practices, particularly within batik. This ensures that both the environment and the makers are protected throughout production. Our supply chains are deliberately short and transparen