After Peace Cord™ bracelets were included in Oscar gift baskets, given to Major League Baseball players during spring training, and featured in a segment on The Today Show, the buzz began about this new fashion statement- and rightfully so.
Named for their mission to spread peace, these bracelets are hand woven by women in Afghanistan using parachute cord and authentic military uniform buttons and are a great way to show support while being on top of the latest trend.
Peace Cord™ is a collaboration with two non-profit organizations, which split all proceeds. Arzu Studio Hope provides health care, education, and community programs as well as economic opportunities for women in Afghanistan. Spirit of America provides funds for community projects implemented by troops in the areas where they are stationed.
The idea for Peace Cord™ came about after Connie K. Duckworth, retired Partner and Managing Director of Goldman, Sachs, & Co., traveled to Afghanistan in 2004 and created Arzu Studio Hope, which sells handmade artisan rugs woven by women in Afghanistan.
After Duckworth was invited back to Afghanistan in June by the military to share her vision for building sustainable programs, she noticed a Danish soldier wearing a woven bracelet and was inspired to carry out her vision for a more affordable product with mass appeal.
The bracelets themselves come in seven different styles and a variety of sizes and range from just ten to fifteen dollars. Both men and women have been sporting them on the red carpet making this product with a purpose also a refreshing gender-neutral accessory.
“It is a fashionable item and a great reminder that by wearing this bracelet and by wearing peace proudly, people can make a difference in our community by supporting women and troops in Afghanistan,” said Devon McAnany, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Arzu Studio Hope.
According to McAnany, Peace Cord™ has received tremendous support both from celebrities and the general consumer. “I would definitely wear one. They’re inexpensive and a bold fashion statement that supports a great cause. There’s no reason for everyone not to have one on their wrist right now,” said Zara Quader, Arts and Sciences freshman.
The women who make the bracelets are thankful for the opportunity to earn a fair market wage in a safe and warm environment where they can also gather with other women and gain various management skills, said McAnany.
On top of the great cause these bracelets support, in the short time this product has been on the market there has also been a “real trend aura around it,” said Beckie Otto, Arzu Studio Hope Public Relations Coordinator and Social Media Strategist.
Otto said she believes that young people can be especially instrumental in spreading the word with friends and families. This bracelet is “a great way to share an inspiring story from a fashionable perspective,” she said.