From Brainstorm to Boarding Pass: Our Victoria Jane India Trip
It all started over several glasses of wine January 2024, as most great ideas do. My sister Tracey and I were catching up, talking about the year ahead, when our casual New Year brainstorm turned into something much bigger.
Within days, we found ourselves booking flights for a commercial textile trip to India—a country I'd already been working with through manufacturers but had never visited in person.
What followed was a whirlwind of colour, culture, connection, and creativity.
Finding Our People
While I had existing relationships with some Indian suppliers, nothing compares to meeting face-to-face.
This trip allowed us to deepen those bonds and build new ones—with talented artisans who take immense pride in their craft.
One of the highlights? Spending time with the beautiful women who handcraft our Victoria Jane tote bags and pouch sets. Watching them work, their attention to detail and care for every stitch reminded me why we do what we do.
Equally important was confirming that all our partners operate ethically—ensuring fair wages, safe conditions, and genuine care for their teams. These values aren’t just a line on our website; they’re non-negotiable.
Visiting in person gave us the confidence that our products are made with integrity, as well as beauty.
Watch the Full Video of Our Trip In India Here
The Art of Block Printing
One of the most captivating processes we witnessed was traditional block printing—an ancient Indian technique where hand-carved wooden blocks are used to stamp intricate designs onto fabric.
Each colour is applied with a separate block, often layered with incredible precision and care. It’s a slow, rhythmic process requiring skill and patience, and the result is nothing short of art.
This is how many of our tote and pouch designs come to life. Each piece is slightly unique, touched by the hands of skilled artisans and infused with character no machine can replicate.
The Bags: More Than Just Pretty
Our Victoria Jane tote bags and matching pouch sets are more than just stylish accessories—they’re thoughtfully designed lifestyle essentials. Here’s why:
Generously sized: Whether you're heading to the beach, the market, or just out for the day, there's room for all your daily must-haves.
Durable cotton canvas: Beautiful, breathable, and built to last.
Matching pouches: Ideal for storing smaller essentials like your phone, makeup, or passport. Everything in its place, no more rummaging.
Unique hand-printed designs: A wearable work of art that makes a statement.
Ethically made: Supporting traditional craftsmanship and fair employment practices.
Our India trip reminded me of the human stories behind every product we create. It's not just about what we sell—it's about how and why we make it. Every tote and pouch set is a celebration of slow fashion, conscious choices, and the incredible hands that bring them to life.
And it all started with a glass of wine and a wild idea. 🍸🥂
Namaste, India. We'll be back! 🪷❤️🇮🇳