Lively and Layered: U.S. Designer Launches New Line of Pillows and Zip-it Bags that Help Rural Hungarian Women Move Forward

Independent design source, MyPerennial, debuts a new collection of felt appliqué pillows and zip-it bags. The chic, new products are designed by Jen Hopwood and produced in collaboration with a rural Hungarian women's cooperative, combining traditional techniques with modern design. The result is a refreshing partnership which preserves traditions and brings lively, joyful products to the U.S. market.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) October 23, 2007 -- Just in time for the approaching holiday season up-and-coming design source, MyPerennial of www.myperennial.com, debuts a new collection of 100% wool appliqué pillows and zip-it bags. The clever, new products are designed by resident style-maven, Jen Hopwood, and produced in collaboration with a rural Hungarian women's cooperative.

Traditional reverse felt appliqué techniques, originally used on 18th century shepherd's cloaks, now combine with Hopwood's modern graphics to ornament pillows and zipper pouches. The result is refreshingly lively, at once streamlined and mature, and equally appropriate for men and women.

At MyPerennial, business is growing while helping to preserve one historic craft in its native land. Hopwood's ambitious partnership contributes to the US and local Hungarian economies and empowers women. "It's wonderful to see energetic, young women working alongside the skilled seniors who are passing along a traditional craft." Hopwood added, "The end results - both the products and the learning - are beautiful. I'm honored and really humbled to see my new designs come to life in this way."

Hopwood has lived in Hungary for the past fifteen months in order to develop a rich relationship and better understanding of the Hungarian culture and language. "It felt important to live and work in country while fostering the partnership so that we could have true cooperation and collaboration," Hopwood remarked. "The most challenging part was learning the language. Thankfully, smiles and drawings are universal." She finds the women to be gracious, egoless, and tireless - eager to refine a design until it met everyone's high standards, ensuring the highest quality products.

This high level of handmade excellence extends to all MyPerennial products. Hopwood is already known for her successful lines of embellished hats, layered floral accessories and children's snap tees, prominently featured in magazines such as InStyle, Real Simple, Parenting, Cookie and Country Living. Now she is excited to offer customers the happy and modern look of MyPerennial through a fair trade partnership that has already proven successful with orders placed for brick and mortar as well as online stores.

ABOUT MyPerennial:
MyPerennial is the calling card for independent designer Jen Hopwood's hand-cut felt accessories for women, children and home. Founded in New York City in 2003, MyPerennial has studios in Chicago and Budapest and proudly sells handcrafted accessories to stylish customers and shops worldwide.

CONTACT MyPerennial:
Jen Hopwood, MyPerennial
917-623-9423
www.myperennial.com

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