In light of Moda Operandi's ongoing trunkshow featuring SeeMe, Middle East's only certified Fair Trade jewellery brand that supports and empowers victims of domestic violence, we speak to the brand's founder and designer, Caterina Occhio who shares her thoughts on her humanitarian work and inspiration behind it.
Describe your jewellery in your own words?
SeeMe mixes traditional Tunisian handicraft with modern minimal design.
Where does this inspiration stem from?
The trips I’ve taken during my life have always inspired me. There is a bit of Middle East, some Italy, a touch of northern Europe… You can find all the places close to my heart in SeeMe (whose first name was originally “SeeMe in the World”)
It’s a big responsibility to be the only Fair Trade brand in the Middle East. How are you contributing to the title?
I am working hard to ensure a comfortable present and bright future for the people who work for me. I am trying to bring more people in, but it is always a long process.
The heart motif represents the chain of love aimed at breaking the chain of violence
Caterina Occhio
What significance does the heart motif hold for you?
It represents the chain of love aimed at breaking the chain of violence.
What makes for the best mothers day gift?
A piece of (ethical) jewellery of course! And cake. Cake works too…
Tell us about your collaboration with Moda Operandi and representing your label on an international platform?
It is an absolute honour and pleasure to be collaborating with such a great platform. Not only for the visibility that it brings to SeeMe, but also because the M’O team is fantastic to work with.
Tell us how the humanitarian act against domestic violence is close to your heart.
After working many years as a development aid manager in the Middle East and North Africa, I have seen so many women leaving their abusive houses only to go back again because they could not be independent. I needed to find a viable way to put a stop to that.
What a fantastic world would it be if women ran it. Shall we try?
Caterina Occhio
What are the challenges you face, on working with women and training them from scratch?
They are all very motivated and as soon as they start getting some independence, they also start getting attention from men who want to take advantage of them. Keeping them safe and making sure they understand that their value isn’t linked to the presence of a man by their side is certainly one of the challenges.
What message would you send out to women reading this?
What a fantastic world would it be if women ran it. Shall we try?
In three words, describe what would make the world a better place.
Love. Laughter. Understanding.
