From Generation To Generation

Kissweh is an embroidery studio based in Los Angeles and Beirut. The studio's goals are: to be a contemporary source of exquisitely designed and timeless products inspired by the rich folk art of traditional Palestinian needlework motifs; and to give skilled craftswomen living in the refugee camps of Lebanon the opportunity to earn a fair living from their artisan skills. Their products have an emphasis on meticulous and fine craftsmanship (it takes a woman 2-3 weeks to embroider one pillow) and carefully selected top quality cotton threads and linens.
Many of their pillows are one of a kind pieces.

The name comes from the Arabic name for the trousseau traditionally prepared by women in Palestine: the kissweh. It would consist of hand-embroidered clothing and home accessories, featuring local motifs passed down from generation to generation. These motifs usually depicted animals, plants, village life, and precious objects. Their names also reflect the daily lives of these women - such motifs include "chickpeas and raisins" and "old man's teeth".

Kissweh was founded by Claudia, who comes from a Spanish-British family and now lives in Los Angeles. She has a background in humanitarian operations and has been visiting and working at the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon for twenty years. There, she came across a rich tradition of exquisite craftsmanship, which inspired the creation of Kissweh.

An essential partner in Kissweh's operations is Beit Atfal Assomoud, a secular non-governmental organization that carries out indispensable and inspiring work for refugees in Lebanon. A percentage of sale revenues goes to support the activities of Beit Atfal Assomoud and the Greening Bourj Al Shamali initiative.