The Journey to the Village
From Kolkata, our journey begins aboard a rickety train, heading southeast toward the Sundarbans nature reserve. Gradually, the urban bustle fades away, replaced by ochre dirt paths. We leave the train for a wooden boat, gliding over the water through the trembling mangroves.
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After hours of navigation, the landscape opens up to an isolated village: clay and wooden houses, children playing in the dust, and the scent of damp earth. It’s here, in this remote corner of India, that our crochet bikinis come to life, handwoven by women with exceptional craftsmanship.
Artisans at the Heart of Our Project
Meeting these women revealed a complex reality. In this region marked by poverty, many of them face social challenges: forced marriages, submission to their husbands, and days dictated by household chores.
Their work with La Caravelle changes the game. By paying them directly, hand to hand, we provide them with precious financial independence. Each bikini purchased directly supports their emancipation, allowing them to dream of a better future for themselves and their children.
Unique Craftsmanship: 2 Days for a Bikini
Each bikini is one-of-a-kind, the result of meticulous work that takes up to 2 days to complete. The artisans ensure that every stitch is even, with perfect tension—neither too stiff nor too loose. A local master patternmaker oversees the quality, ensuring the final product is flawless, with invisible elastics for optimal support.
To celebrate India’s cultural heritage, we’ve incorporated mandalas into our bikinis. This Hindu symbol, representing harmony and unity, adds a touch of tradition to a modern bohemian style. Each piece in our collection tells a story, blending Indian craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.
Indian Cotton: An Exceptional Material
Our bikinis are woven from exceptional Indian cotton, renowned since antiquity for its softness and lightness—Herodotus himself praised its qualities 2,500 years ago.
The cotton bolls are harvested between October and March. This manual, minimally mechanized process preserves the quality of the fibers. The cotton is then cleaned to remove seeds and impurities, carded to align the fibers, and spun into a fine, durable thread. The result? A soft, lightweight, and breathable thread, perfect for lounging by the pool or on the beach.
This local cotton harvest allows us to complete the production cycle of our crochet pieces without leaving the West Bengal region. This saves countless kilometers and keeps our carbon footprint low.
Support Our Artisans – Discover Our Creations
Ready to wear an ethical and bohemian piece? Explore all our crochet bikinis and support the artisans of the Sundarbans today!
Santika: Bohemian Grace with Refined Mandalas
A model enhanced by openwork mandalas, blending spiritual harmony and sophisticated details for a captivating look.
Ananda: Timeless Bohemian Elegance
A model with a minimalist design, perfect for those seeking a touch of serenity and natural simplicity.
Bohemia: Free Spirit with Vibrant Mandalas
A bold model adorned with openwork mandalas, designed for bohemian souls who want to shine at festivals or by the water.
And good news, the Bohemia is also available in beige!
Why Choose La Caravelle?
By choosing La Caravelle, you’re wearing more than just a bikini.
You’re supporting a fair trade network that empowers the artisans of the Sundarbans.
You’re opting for a rare piece that blends Indian tradition with bohemian style, handmade with exceptional cotton.
A Sustainable Alternative
Cotton is a natural and renewable material.
Local support
Our ethical collaborations support local communities.
And Less Waste
A crochet swimsuit is made of cotton, easy to recycle.
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Our bikinis—like Ananda, Santika, or Bohemia—are unique, impossible to replicate with synthetic fabrics. They’re designed for lounging, with invisible elastics for optimal comfort, whether by the water or under the sun at a festival.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Crochet
- Can I swim with a crochet swimsuit? Absolutely! We select a soft, lightweight, and breathable cotton. Additionally, invisible elastics ensure good support. However, crochet is designed for lounging. If you plan to play beach volleyball or go water skiing, set aside your crochet bikini for a synthetic fiber swimsuit that will offer more support.
- Will my crochet swimsuit fade over time? Clothing inevitably experiences the fading effects of the sun. In stores, items displayed in windows often need to be replaced at the end of each season, as their appearance is altered by fading, making them unsuitable for sale. It’s also good to know that organic fabrics like cotton hold colors less effectively. However, you can extend their durability by hand washing and drying them flat in the shade.
- How long does a crochet swimsuit take to dry? Cotton absorbs more water than synthetic fibers, which extends the drying time. Expect between 12 and 24 hours.
- How do your crochet swimsuits fit? Our crochet swimsuits fit true to size; they were developed using the body shapes of French women as a reference. In conclusion, take your usual (european) size.
- Can I exchange or get a refund if I’m not satisfied? Of course, you have 14 days to request a return or size exchange.
