National Geographic Launches First Explorer-Curated Collection, 'Shop the Road Less Traveled' Online Boutique

Travels of Explorer Elizabeth Kapu'uwailani Lindsey Inspire Line of Hand-Crafted Goods

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today National Geographic launches Shop the Road Less Traveled  (www.shoproadlesstraveled.com), an online shopping destination featuring a collection of handcrafted jewelry, accessories, textiles and home decor inspired by the travels of anthropologist, filmmaker and National Geographic explorer Elizabeth Kapu'uwailani Lindsey. The limited-edition collection reflects the rich cultures, traditions, colors and landscapes that Lindsey encountered on her recent visits to India, Thailand and Bali, and represents National Geographic's first ever explorer-curated collection.

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Available only through the online boutique, the Shop the Road Less Traveled line offers colorful goods crafted by artisans using traditional techniques and featuring modern touches. Items purchased from the boutique help support these local artisans as well as National Geographic's work of exploration, research, conservation and cultural preservation. The collection centers on three themes: Jewel Tones, which features handcrafted items in shades from teal to indigo; Neutral Luxe, which showcases texture, with a selection of handcrafted items in wood, leather, wool and stone; and Royal Accents, which emphasizes scarves, pillows and bedding in vibrant color.

 "We journey to discover rich landscapes, beautiful works of art, enchanting cultures and centuries-old crafts that uphold these cultures. Recently I had such an experience as I traveled for three months in Southeast Asia. This collection is inspired by the spirit and beauty of these lands and their cultures," said Lindsey, whose travels and work focus on the conservation of vanishing indigenous knowledge and tradition.

For the Shop the Road Less Traveled collection, National Geographic carefully selected pillows, ottomans, blankets, decor, jewelry and scarves that are made using ancient techniques. Brothers Suresh and Devander Garg's intricate Hand-carved Elephant Festival Sculpture is created from a single block of kadam, an evergreen wood common in their home city of Jaipur, India. Jeweler Panapha's Azure Leather Wrap Bracelet combines 24-karat gold beads and azure-dyed leather using a meticulous technique to yield a bracelet reflecting the vibrant atmosphere of her home in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The line also includes elegant home goods like the textured Indian Jazz Pillow and bright Paisley Morning Pillow, both in rich turquoise hues. From Jaipur, known for its centuries-old tradition of jewelry making, come gold and red-orange onyx Jaipur Sunshine Earrings, which mimic the natural and architectural landscape of the city; and the Jaipur Amazonite Necklace that harkens back to the jewels of the Mughal Empire. The Boho-hobo Suede Bag, created in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, combines fine craftsmanship with contemporary touches.

Each piece from the Shop the Road Less Traveled line offers consumers an opportunity to experience another part of the world and appreciate the work of its talented craftspeople. Visit www.shoproadlesstraveled.com for more information and to view the entire line.

About Elizabeth Kapu'uwailani Lindsey
Lindsey was the National Geographic Society's first female Fellow. A Polynesian explorer and a descendant of Hawaiian chiefs, English seafarers and Chinese merchants, Lindsey has dedicated her life to conserving the vanishing cultures of indigenous people, their knowledge and traditions. She is an award-winning filmmaker and anthropologist and is based in Hawaii and San Francisco.

About National Geographic
Founded in 1888, the National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Its mission is to inspire people to care about the planet. The member-supported Society offers a community for members to get closer to explorers, connect with other members and help make a difference. The Society reaches more than 450 million people worldwide each month through National Geographic and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects, and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

SOURCE National Geographic Society