History

The Trust was created in 1994, to celebrate Monsoon's 21st birthday. Originally called 'The Monsoon Trust,' this was changed in 2006 to reflect the huge contribution made by everyone in Accessorize.

The Trust focuses on projects to alleviate poverty in Asia, reflecting Monsoon Accessorize's long-standing trading relationships with the region.

Monsoon started life in the 1970s when founder Peter Simon travelled overland to India, via Afghanistan, falling in love with the beautiful hand-crafted clothes he discovered en route.

'Peter Simon during his travels'

Peter Simon believed passionately that "small is beautiful", choosing to buy from local producer groups, often based in Indian villages in Rajasthan. Clothes were made using traditional handicrafts, such as hand block printing and vegetable dyes that developed their colour in the natural sunlight.

For more information about the company's culture and commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Responsibility & Culture.