Kezia Cork Sustainable Style: The Fusion of Cork and Raffia

Combining cork and raffia in a bag creates a beautiful and eco-friendly accessory that blends traditional craftsmanship with sustainable materials. Here’s a breakdown of how these materials work together, their benefits, and how this aligns with fair trade principles:

Traditions:

• Cork: Originating from the Mediterranean region, cork has been used for centuries for various applications, from wine stoppers to fashion. The process of harvesting cork involves stripping the bark of cork oak trees without harming them, ensuring sustainability. This long-standing tradition of cork harvesting supports local economies, particularly in Portugal and Spain, where it’s a major industry.

• Raffia: Raffia is traditionally woven by artisans in Madagascar, Africa, and other tropical regions. The natural fibers come from the raffia palm and have been used for making baskets, hats, and bags for generations. The technique of weaving raffia by hand has been passed down through communities, preserving cultural heritage while providing employment for artisans.

Benefits of Combining Cork and Raffia:

• Eco-Friendly: Both cork and raffia are sustainable materials. Cork is biodegradable, and the harvesting process is renewable, making it a perfect alternative to synthetic leather. Raffia is also biodegradable and often harvested through environmentally conscious methods, making it an ideal eco-friendly material.

• Durability: Cork is strong, lightweight, and water-resistant, making it ideal for bags that need to stand up to daily use. Raffia, while lighter, adds texture and flexibility, enhancing the aesthetic while contributing to the bag's strength.

• Aesthetic Appeal: The natural, earthy tones of cork complement the vibrant, often handmade appearance of raffia. Together, they create a visually striking contrast that feels both modern and organic. The materials’ textures, from the smooth cork to the woven raffia, provide a unique tactile experience.

• Sustainability: These materials’ sustainable nature contributes to a smaller carbon footprint compared to conventional leather or synthetic fabrics, making the bag a conscious choice for environmentally aware consumers.

Fair Trade:

Combining these materials aligns beautifully with fair trade principles:

• Empowering Artisans: The use of raffia, which is woven by artisans in Madagascar and other regions, supports small-scale artisans, many of whom are women. This gives them a stable source of income and helps improve their living standards.

• Promoting Ethical Practices: Fair trade ensures that the workers involved in both the cork and raffia production are paid fairly for their labor, work in safe conditions, and have access to community benefits like healthcare and education.

• Supporting Sustainable Development: By purchasing items made with these materials, consumers directly contribute to sustainable practices in both the cork and raffia industries, which also helps preserve local ecosystems.

When combining cork and raffia, the result is not only a beautiful and functional bag but also one that supports artisans, celebrates cultural traditions, and promotes environmental sustainability. It’s a perfect example of how design and ethics can come together in fashion.

Measurements:
Height : 27cm
Width at top: 28cm

Width at bottom". 25cm
Depth: 13cm at base

Cleaning your cork bag:

Your cork handbag may slightly change colors over time especially in high-use areas like the straps.
Simply clean with warm soapy water and a reusable cloth.
Make sure to dry your bag with a clean dry cloth and air dry.

All our bags are designed in Queensland, Australia and handcrafted by our team of artisans in Madagascar, helping them to create a sustainable income for themselves and their families.