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About: A PEACE TREATY is an evolving collection aimed at creating ethically-produced,

artisan-level accessories and apparel for the luxury fashion marketplace.

Born in 2008, as a personal pact between Farah Malik,
a Pakistani Muslim, and Dana Arbib, a Libyan Jew, A
PEACE TREATY creates employment for skilled artisans
working in places of socio-political strife, effectively
supporting their technique and craft while elevating their
products to the level of high design for an exclusive and
international audience.

Inspired by the hand-crafting cultures of the Middle East,
Asia, South America and Africa, A PEACE TREATY
was conceived when Arbib and Malik met while living in
Rome. The two discovered that they shared both a love
of high fashion and a desire to increase awareness of
ancient, disappearing crafting traditions. Intermingling
Arbib’s strong background in graphic, textile and
product design with Malik’s history of developing
multimedia marketing campaigns for social justice and
human rights, they set about connecting discerning
fashion connoisseurs with cache, boutique level artifacts
from places typically seen only negatively through the
media lens. Working with craftspeople in seven selected
countries and injecting life and trade back into local
economies, A PEACE TREATY also assists artisans to
compete in the global economy.

Each season, A PEACE TREATY travels to a particular
region and seeks out local village artisans to re-define an
accessory, creating limited edition pieces in style unique
colorways. The 2012 retail season comprises of a jewelry
collection, inspired by ritual emblems and relics from
lost cities and legendary civilizations such as the Aztecs,

Mayans, and the Tribes of the Amazon and Papua New
Guinea. S/S 2012 also features vintage Japanese kimono
and Art Deco inspired scarves.

SOLWARA, the fourth jewelry collection envisions a
shipwrecked castaway’s discovery of indigenous tribes
and ritual emblems. Interweaving rattlesnake tails,
bones, sharks’ teeth, ropes and twine, the collection
references explorers marooned on desolate islands
amidst ancient settings, as well as movies embedded
in our popular imagination like The Blue Lagoon. In a
tribute to the feral elements of nature such as water, sand
and volcanic rock, SOLWARA’s pieces are embellished
with semi-precious gems - Lapis Lazuli, White Agate and
Lava stone. A PEACE TREATY employs desert artisan
families to craft the handcarved, goldplated tribal brass
pieces, using centuries-old sustainable techniques and
recycled materials.

NATSU, takes cues from elaborate handmade techniques
in traditional Japanese textiles such as Shibori, Katazome
and Tsutsugaki dyeing, Katagami stencil printing and
Kasuri Ikat weaving. In collaboration with artisan
groups, A PEACE TREATY recreates these irreplaceable,
one of a kind textile treasures.

Since its inception A PEACE TREATY has designed
exclusive lines for Rugby Ralph Lauren, ShopBop and
Urban Outfitters. Seasonal collections are available at
www.apeacetreaty.com and worldwide at 150 exclusive
retailers such as Liberty and Saks Fifth Avenue.

"Spin Madly On" theme by Margarette Bacani. Powered by Tumblr.

WANDERLUSTING

We’d really love to spend our summer vacay at a riad in Marrakech, wouldn’t you?

PS: Don’t forget about our summer vacation photo contest!

THE CAT’S OUTTA THE BAG

For the first time APT is making a RESORT collection, and it includes CAFTANS and SCARVES! We are super excited about it, and we hope you will be too. Look for them in stores and on our website this winter.

SUMMER VACATION PHOTO CONTEST!

ALL KNOTTED UP

The APT gals have been loving the most recent instillation of Orly Genger’s at Madison Square Park. The colossal rope structures are all hand crocheted - something we always appreciate - and are composed of 1.4 million feet of rope! There’s something organic about her sweeping constructions, especially since they’re framed by the blooming magnolias and cherry blossoms. It’s been an Instagram fave with the tourists, and ok fine, with us too. Take a look, and check out some of her past instillations as well.

KAFTANS ARE ALL I WANT TO WEAR

We are all about kaftans these days here at APT. Our moms and grandmothers rocked them. Elizabeth Taylor, Talitha Getty, Carly Simon, and Frida Kahlo all garnered attention wearing them. We love the history of kaftans (they were worn by women in ancient Mesopotamia), we love their simplicity and grace, and we love all their rad patterns and embellishments. Will kaftans be APT’s next design adventure?? Quite possibly!

DON’T STOP, STEVIE!

We are giddy about seeing Fleetwood Mac this weekend at the New Orleans Jazz Fest! Stevie Nicks has been enchanting the world for almost 65 years and she’s a staple on the APT boombox. We will always love her for being a musical maverick and our fashion heroine. Take a peek at some of her most fanciful outfits!

Walls that reveal more than they hide

We re-encountered El Anatsui recently and are still speechless over his monumental and malleable art works. Using Nigerian liquor bottle caps and wrappers, this son of a Master weaver of kente cloth makes political and economic reference in his massive pieces to the integral role of the liquor trade in the growth of the transatlantic slave trade.

APT LOVES GIRLS WITH GRIT

Photographer Ilona Szwarc has captured the mystique of the young cowgirl spirit. We love these beautiful, somewhat awkward, and extremely brave faces.

Taken from the NYT Magazine

WORLD PEACE via BANJO

Abigail Washburn sure does strum something fierce on that banjo, and she does so with a peaceful purpose - to foster better U.S. and Chinese understanding with the power of music. Go get it girl!

ONE GUITAR, TWO DANCING FEET

A joyous spring to all you wanderers out there!

Love, The APT Girls

IT WAS A LONG TIME COMING

Performance artists Marina Abramovic and Ulay were once lovers. The last time they saw one another was decades ago on the Great Wall of China for their epic farewell hug after a decision to end the affair. As part of her 2010 retrospective at MoMA, Abramovic allowed strangers to sit across from her at a table, sharing one minute of intense silence. Unbeknownst to her, Ulay emerged from the crowd to sit before her. This video had us in tears!

SOMETIMES PEOPLE SURPRISE US

One of our favorite designers ever, DURO OLOWU, is collaborating with JC Penney. Why? We have no idea, but the collection still looks awesome.

APT PAYS A VISIT TO NEPAL

We were recently in the magical city of Kathmandu working with cashmere workshops for next fall’s collection. Here’s a peak into the artistic process and the people behind it.

YSL LOVE

Yves Saint Laurent designed New Years cards that he sent out to friends and clients every year between 1970 and 2000.
Each card features the word Love.

NEW FRIENDS

We love these miniature weavings inspired by the ones Navajo women sell in New Mexico! They are woven by the gals of New Friends with Japanese fibers, paper, and wool. Check them out at www.new-friends.us.