Materials
Choosing the best materials that align to our values is what we strive to do since our conception. Materials that we love are eco-friendly such as rattan, atta grass and bamboo to cruelty free such as vegan leather. We believe that being a part of slow fashion, ethical sourcing network and sustainability movement is important to steer fashion towards a brighter future. One that is harmless to our mother nature.
Indonesia has a special place in our hearts, it is the place where Emelie, our Founder, was born and it consists of 16,000 plus of lush islands. This is a place where we are focusing our sourcing and producing - working with local artisans in Bali and Java who have been doing business for decades. Our materials are sourced by artisans through their network in remote places in Indonesia to urban cities in Asia Pacific.
What is it?
Vegan leather is essentially a cruelty-free alternative to traditional leather that is well-known to be derived from animal skin or fur. Vegan leather is made from ingredients that don’t exploit animal in the creation and production process. It is also known as synthetic leather, pleather or faux leather and there are two common types of vegan leather: PU (polyurethane) and Bio-degradable. Vegan leather is much thinner than real leather, which can last for years.
Why we choose vegan leather?
According to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), every year, more than a billion cows, pigs, goats, sheep, alligators, ostriches, kangaroos, and even dogs and cats are cruelly slaughtered for the use of their skins – to be made into traditional leather materials. The tails and horns of many of these animals are cut off without painkillers, and some are even skinned and cut apart while still conscious.
By contrast, vegan leather offers a killer look without any killing. Turning skin into leather takes loads of energy and a toxic brew of chemicals—including mineral salts, coal-tar derivatives, formaldehyde, oils, dyes, and finishes, some of them cyanide-based. Tannery waste contains water-fouling salt, lime sludge, sulfides, acids, and other pollutants.
What type of vegan leather do we use?
Our vegan leather is made from PU or Polyuthrane., which is a bendable and soft-surface material that is perfect for purses, wallets and backpacks.
We partner with artisans in Bali, Jogjakarta and Bandung, Indonesia to source and produce our straw bags. Because Indonesia is strategically located across the equator line, it has such a unique climate where tropical plants such as rattan, bamboo, water hyacinth, palm leaves and atta grass thrive. These plants are grown from generation to generation mostly in Kalimantan (or well-known as Borneo) and West Nusa Tenggara.
RATTAN - is a naturally renewable palm that grows in the tropical regions of Indonesia, and is used for furniture, handicrafts, and building material among others. Rattan continues to be an invaluable part of rural community's livelihoods. It can be used for handbags in several ways: the woody stems can be cut into sections and shaped, while the softer core can be woven and worked into wicker. The majority of our rattan is originated from expansive and lush forests in Kalimantan island (Borneo) and East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
Rattan is the unexpected trend that has been consistent in fashion accessories for the past three years.
Why we love it?
Rattan harvesting and processing provides an alternatives to logging timber in areas where forests are scarce, saving some environment impact of logging. We also love Rattan because it is light, durable and relatively flexible.
Water Hyacinth - is a free floating perennial herb of fresh water ecosystems. It is found at the surface of rivers, lakes, canals and ponds and may root in the mud of shallow waters. It is generally 10-20 cm high but can reach 1 m high when established in dense mats. Our Water Hyacinth is originated from East Nusa Tenggara to Bali, Indonesia.
Why we love it?
It's durable and light - bendable for weaving the fibers for beach tote. Most of our bags come with lining, especially our beach tote bags. Each bag can be securely closed so your items are safely stored.
'Ate' Grass - is a tropical grass indigenous to tropical islands in Southeast Asia like Bali and East Nusa Tenggara. Atte thrive around water such as lakes, rivers and swamp and it grows exponentially in remote places. Atte handbags, home decor and craft goods have been made since the 90's era in Bali, though the popularity did not rise up to the horizon in western world until just recently.
Why we love it?
Out of the three natural fibers we have to offer, atta is the most water resistant because coating works really well to lock in the surface - protecting the fibers from mold. Atte handbags has a unique texture, perfect for a bohemian style!