Ethiopia inspires benevolent Art at Annoushka show

Ethiopia inspires benevolent Art at Annoushka show Jewellery designer Annoushka Ducas has created a new collection of one-of-a-kind Ethiopian opal jewellery to support the latest Art at Annoushka showcase, featuring photographs by Amanda Vail documenting the lives of Ethiopian women and children emerging from poverty.

The Art at Annoushka initiative regularly presents work from artists, sculptors and photographers, with this year's showcase returning to the brand's Cadogan Gardens store in London. This year's show, A Portrait of Ethiopia, stems from a 2007 trip taken by Ducas to the African country, where she met families struggling to support their children.
The children would often end up in orphanages, estranged from their families and mothers. The experience has since prompted Ducas to give something back by empowering mothers to be able to provide for their children through the charity Give A Future.
She said: "Ethiopia is a rapidly emerging economy but is still plagued by poverty. In Africa’s political capital, Addis Ababa, Give a Future changes the lives of thousands of women and children.
"These women are truly extraordinary; they are courageous, loving and determined. This year we will be working with over 400 women and for every woman we support, five other family members benefit."
Earlier this year, Ducas returned to Addis Abba with the photographer Amanda Vail to document the lives of some of these women and their children. The images from the trip will be on show and for sale at the Annoushka boutique at 41 Cadogan Gardens, London. The works are for sale for two weeks from October 2 2014 and all proceeds will go to Give A Future to expand the work being done with these women.
Ducas will further support the charity with some special creations, having has personally selected a number of Ethiopian opals and designed one-of-a-kind jewellery using them. Each opal has been framed in a double halo of champagne diamonds and set in black gold. When sold, 20% of proceeds from these pieces will be donated to Give a Future.
Give A Future is a not for profit fund launched 10 years ago which invests in children, youth, women and artisans in Addis Ababa. Ducas specifically supports the micro-finance programme, which provides business training, small loans and practical support, giving women a chance to support themselves and their families. Donations of £35 a year can help to lift families out of poverty.