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norm architects have recently teamed up with four of my favourite design studios to create a new collection of exclusive handmade designs for danish design brand menu, in collaboration with craftspeople in nepal.

in nepal, many girls and young women are tricked into prostitution, sent to india and later excluded from their families. one way to prevent this terrible occurrence is to give
 girls an opportunity to support themselves and their families from an early age. this can be achieved by giving these young women employment utilising their immaculate weaving skills and the regions abundant natural resources.

in november 2014 norm architects, menu and a trio of scandinavian design studios – note, afteroom and a hint of neon – went to nepal to oversee the production and experiment with new sleek designs produced using ancient techniques. the result is a new contemporary design collection for menu – the nepal projects. presented by menu at maison & objet in paris this week, the new collection includes exclusive cashmere throws and bedcovers, fine merino wool pillows, a series of paper and textile accessory boxes and a canvas laundry bag. i was initially enticed by the beauty of the range, but the story behind it elevates the collection to entirely new heights, don’t you agree?