Fair Trade Egypt will launch its fifth exclusive collection on Saturday, the "Earth Tones" winter edition, which comprises 40 new products and designs crafted by 15 artisan groups of approximately 700 artists, mostly women, across eight governorates. 

The reception will be held in Fair Trade Egypt's showroom in Maadi from 5pm to 9pm and features a live performance by brass and leather artisans Injy, Ishak and Ahmed, who through their long-standing relationship with the organisation have been able to improve their craft and develop more trendy personal and home accessories. 

The fair trade movement began internationally in the 1980s with the aim of empowering artisans by encouraging them to produce handicrafts and helping them sell their wares, while ensuring they retain a fair share of the profits. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to and securing the rights of marginalised producers and workers.

The Egypt branch started in 2004 and has empowered over 2,300 artisans so far, and has put on two previous annual exhibitions.

Handmade items include pottery, glass, textiles and copper, and the quality of the products as well as the passion of the artists who create them makes these pieces a really special purchase.

Programme

FTE's showroom in Maadi from 5pm to 9pm.

Address: 12, Roadd 205, off Degla Square, Maadi

5pm - 5:30pm Artisans' documentaries

5:30pm - 7:30pm Live performance by brass and leather artisans (Injy, Ishak, and Ahmed). Photo gallery of artisans from all over Egypt, Egyptian music, and refreshments served.

7:30pm - 8pm Artisans' documentaries (repeat)

8pm - 9pm  Live performance by brass and leather artisans ( Injy, Ishak, and Ahmed). Photo gallery of artisans from all over Egypt, Egyptian music, and refreshments served.