Designer Rachel Roy has collaborated with Fairwinds Trading in an effort to create jobs for women in Africa. Items that are handcrafted by female-owned businesses in Africa will be integrated into select seasonal Rachel Rachel Roy collections for Spring 2010.

“My goal as a working woman and mother is to support women’s independence through employment. For the women who benefit from the Fairwinds Trading partnership, the opportunity to work is an important source of self-respect and financial freedom. I support this important organization and its ongoing collaboration with Macy’s made it a perfect fit for the Rachel Rachel Roy brand. The vast network of African artisans that Fairwinds has brought together is immensely talented and I am excited to be able to incorporate their artwork into my collection,” said Rachel Roy who is the founder and artistic director of the brand.

Among the items that will be featured are a bracelet and earrings handmade in Rwanda. Shredded woven paper was used to create the bracelet and both the bracelet and earrings feature beads constructed from a unique paper layering process.

At TD we’re always excited to learn about such creative and unique efforts to help women in all parts of the world earn a living. The Rachel Rachel Roy Fairwinds collaboration will be available at rachelroy.com and select Macy’s stores and macys.com.