Lisa Ray Instagram – When an evening has the ability to spark a passion larger than our individual concerns, that’s my brand of magic. Last night at a dinner @daarukhana organized by my friends @goodfood65 and @ingridburgos the creative visionaries behind @discoverindiabyhand and supported by @jetairways I met @menonpr and listened to his impassioned talk about his personal encounters with the handloom industry in #Chendamangalam, and how he has made it a mission to help these communities of traditional weavers rebuild their livelihood and support their ancestral talent by replacing the looms that were lost and destroyed during the devastating floods in Kerala. Handmade, handspun and handwoven textiles are not a trend but one of India’s great contributions to the world’s artisanal heritage, economy and the global fashion industry. Despite that, the weavers earn pitiable amounts and suffered losses that wiped out their income with no recourse to financial support after this natural disaster. @menonpr started @savetheloom_org and rallied some of India’s best design talent to create garments from hand spun material from the region to support the cause of replacing looms and reviving livelihood in the region. You can pick up a one of a kind piece like my @ka_sha_india piece @onezeroeight.stl @kochibiennale or reach out to @savetheloom_org But you can’t have this piece. I bid on it last night and won. But actually we all win when artisans are empowered and thrive 🙏🏼