The objective of this project is to preserve and revive ancestral techniques while building a network of employment and resources for female artisans in order to protect them from poverty and social exclusion. To achieve this, the Indonesian fashion and lifestyle platform brought together 15 local workshops. With 270 million inhabitants, the Asian country has more than 8 million creative businesses. Handicrafts is one of the region’s main sources of income along with tourism, which has been severely affected by the pandemic.

The project leaders took advantage of Paris Fashion Week

And the application of these craft techniques are many: batik dyeing on hand-embroidered cotton clothes or decorative bamboo objects, various braiding techniques, use of natural pineapple or banana fibers for clothing, design of wicker or jute bags and accessories, modern trinkets made of pandanus leaves, ceramics or elements created from coconut… The list is long and not exhaustive.

The beauty of Colombian craftsmanship

Indonesia is not the only country to assert the value of its exotic craftsmanship. Colombia made its mark in Paris with two premium brands. Founded by Isabella Espinoza in Bogotá in 2015, Baobab made its debut in the French capital with a colorful swimwear and beachwear fashion show staged on a morning cruise on the Seine to expand its business in Europe. “Our goal is to make Colombian design known around the world and use fashion to bring about change,” detailed the entrepreneur, who studied law and is betting on “a circular and sustainable economic model.”

Her swimsuits, which retail for around $200, are made of recycled polyester from plastic waste and fishing nets collected from the sea. Each swimsuit purchased contributes to the restoration of the coral reef in San Andrés, Colombia. Meanwhile, the ready-to-wear line consists mainly of summer dresses and sarongs, with proceeds going to reforestation programs alongside communities in the region. The brand, characterized by its sensual and timeless designs rendered in vibrant colors, has already its own boutique in Bogotá and distributes its pieces in more than 100 points of sale worldwide, including Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth AvenueRevolve

Agua Bendita

With 25 of its own stores and a large network of distributors abroad, the brand already generates 65% of its sales outside its borders. In 2018, it released a second line inspired by biodiversity in Latin America, “Agua by Agua Bendita,” with a commitment to sustainability and a high-end positioning. Currently, its collections are sold at Le Bon Marché and on Net-a-PorterModa OperandiWell

From Mexico to Peru, a reinterpretation of customs and traditions

Also hailing from across the Atlantic

“Most of the materials we use are biodegradable. We have an eco-responsible approach and we seek to reduce our impact on the environment as much as possible,” explained the Mexico City-based designer who prides himself on using metal-free plant-based pigments and producing on demand. “In this project, we try to make garments that have a positive impact on society,” added Campillo. The brand’s positioning is high-end, with linen shirts starting at $150 and embroidered leather biker jackets at $1,300. “The price must represent the value of the pieces,” said the designer. He is committed to preserving local production in cities like Toluca, where he carries out the manufacturing of his leather items.

Another Latin American label, D.N.I (Documento Nacional de Identidad), chose Untitled Showrool, which works regularly with the Esmod

In this contemporary reinterpretation of Peruvian traditions, motorcycle cabs, local dugout canoes called “little reed horses”, local gastronomy and references to childhood coexist with light cotton or thick fleece garments. The firm, which has T-shirts priced at 70 euros and shirts available for 210 euros, participated in a pop-up last spring at the Parisian department store Printemps

From Korean minimalism to the Ukrainian struggle for survival

Meanwhile, the Victor Showroom at the Galerie Richard in Paris welcomed a handful of Korean brands determined to regain a foothold in Europe after the hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Founded in 2020 by influencer EunHye Shin, the brand Le17Septembre Homme produces garments with clean lines. At Missing You Already, silhouettes are kept minimalistic and colors neutral. Lvir, for its part, is inspired by traditional Korean workwear while Blossom offers casual suits. The latter brand made its debut during the pandemic and is already selling its items on the Canadian e-commerce platform Ssense

The bold accessories that have people talking on social media deserve a special mention. These include Numbering’s delicate heart-shaped jewelry, already seen on K-pop stars and characters from the Gossip Girl reboot, and Marge Sherwood’s leather bags available in multiple styles, and platform sandals and high heels starting at 230 euros. 

During Haute Couture week, Ukrainian label Frolov made a notable return to the French capital with a show at the Westminster Hotel. Founded by designer Ivan Frolov in 2012, the ready-to-wear brand has had to survive in the hostile environment that its country of origin has become, which has been at war for the past few months. Its latest collection, “Hot Couture”, was designed before the outbreak of war, but has evolved into “something completely different from what it should have been”, given the inevitable “irrelevance” of the collection’s initial inspirations. Wedding dresses and fluorescent feathers acquired a new meaning in this troubled geopolitical context. In parallel, Frolov continued its charity work with hand-embroidered T-shirts featuring his famous yellow and blue heart, the sales of which benefit children affected by the war.