Basu’s company, Chobhi, which she established in Ottawa in 2012, highlights the work of Indian craftswomen. Basu recruits women in India who hand weave the scarves, in keeping with a long Bengali tradition. The scarves have photographs of nature on them. The photographs were taken in India and Ottawa by Tanima Majumdar, Basu’s business partner and long-time friend.
The company works with fair trade organizations in India, allowing the craftswomen to receive fair compensation.
In 2013, Chobhi added a line of jewellery to its collection, produced by Indian craftswomen as well.
Since last summer, Basu has also been dealing with craftspeople in Kashmir, a mountainous region shared by India, Pakistan and China. “Cashmere wool weaving is a very old tradition in the area,” says Basu. “Most homes have a loom.”
Through Chobhi, Basu is making the most of her love of fashion while helping improve living conditions for residents of her parents’ native country.
