Speaking with the Founders of Artisan-Made Brands with Unique Stories
C&W takes a look into two incredible artisan-made brands, KAYU and Munai.
KAYU
Jamie Lim is the founder of KAYU, a brand that creates ethical and sustainable accessories for the modern free spirit. Her designs have been awarded The Earth Award in fashion and have also been finalists for the Conde Nast Innovation and Design Award as well as the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Grant.
Photo: @kattanita
Tell us the story behind your brand.
I grew up in South East Asia and founded KAYU in 2011 as a way to stay connected to the rich cultural heritage of the region. Working with artisans and age-old techniques, I saw an opportunity to empower local craftspeople while bringing sustainable practices and a global point of view to fashion.
Where are your artisans based and what artisanal techniques are used?
We work with artisans in places like the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand who hand weave our bags out of natural straw. They are also skilled at embroidery, woodworking and shell crafting. Recently we started working with artisans in Greece to create our new collection of handcrafted vegetable tanned leather sandals. All the artisans we work with are highly skilled and use traditional techniques that have been passed down through the generations.
Photos: KAYU
What does your ethical manufacturing process look like?
We make timeless, well-made essentials with the utmost consideration for our design, materials and processes. We source and upcycle the finest quality natural, organic materials that take into account environmentally friendly, sustainable initiatives. This includes natural straw (versus synthetic straw which is rampant) and vegetable tanned leather.All the factories we work with have been family owned for generations. Our bags are crafted by hand curtailing the use of machinery and energy consumption. Designed to last a lifetime, our goal is to reduce consumer landfill waste by upcycling our factory scraps into small accessories and donating our straw scraps for use as fertilizer. We are working to become a zero waste brand within the next 5 years.
What does sustainability mean to you?
Sustainability to us is considering every step of our supply chain to minimize environmental impact. We look for ways to support both the environment and the worker by using natural and organic materials, reducing waste and energy and by cultivating long term relationships with artisans and craftspeople.
Photo: KAYU
Shop KAYU at www.kayudesign.com
Follow KAYU on Instagram at @kayudesign
Munai
We also interviewed Melissa Lara, the designer behind Munai. She studied Fashion Design at Miami International University of Art and Design and has worked in the fashion industry for five years. In 2018, she decided to start her own brand in order to help the people in her hometown of La Paz, Bolivia.
Photo: Munai
Tell us the story behind your brand.
Munai was created to unleash the talent of indigenous artisans in Bolivia. After moving back to Bolivia in 2018, I was inspired by a dream I had in mind: “creating art with Bolivian macrame.” In 2019, I came back to the US with a new collection of macrame wall tapestries made with Bolivian silk/rayon ribbons. As 2019 passed, Munai began developing a wider range of products to include handbags, earrings, key chains and other small gifts. This month, we are excited to release new handbag designs as well beautiful Munai bracelets and fringed bohemian sashes, perfect for summertime.
Where are your artisans based and what artisanal techniques are used?
Our artisans come from villages and small regions inside the city of La Paz and El Alto, Bolivia. La Paz is 11,942 feet (3,640 meters) above sea level. The main technique used for our collection is macrame and crochet. The main materials used in our collection are silk/rayon ribbons only found and fabricated in Bolivia. They are commonly used as part of the traditional womenswear in Bolivia. This is an unconventional material which is non-existent in the United States.
Photos: Munai
What does your ethical manufacturing process look like?
Our manufacturing process is mainly creating small collections or batches of accessories. We support small factories and silk ribbon distributors in the country. Our mission is to provide opportunities to artisans coming from indigenous and poor backgrounds who are in need of a better life. Our work culture is about respect and support. We make sure the artisans who we support receive a fair compensation for every piece they create. We started as a team of four. We are now a team of ten artisans and four families who are involved in creating our products. Our goal is to have the capacity to help more Bolivian artisans as our business grows.
What does sustainability mean to you?
Sustainability is preserving our earth’s ecological and sociological balance as well as making responsible and conscious decisions for ourselves and our communities. It also means transparency from any brand to the consumer and their workers.
Photo: Munai
Shop Munai at www.munaibolivia.com
Follow Munai on Instagram at @munai.bo
These interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.