Style

6 Fashion Brands Creating Handmade Knitwear and Accessories with Cultural Pride

July 31, 2024
Written by ConsiderBeyond
Cover Photo by
Sarah's Bag

In order for a clothing material to be used in a piece of clothing, considerable time is spent to extract these raw materials, process them into fabric, and patch them up as a garment. Hence, a material can be deemed sustainable if it contributes to reducing the environmental impacts during this life cycle. We introduce five fibers we can choose from that help make an item of clothing more sustainable.

Celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship of brands that specialize in handmade bespoke accessories and knitwear. In a world where fast fashion reigns supreme, these brands stand out for their commitment to sustainability, quality, and individuality. Each piece is meticulously crafted with care and attention to detail, reflecting a dedication to preserving traditional techniques and supporting skilled artisans.

1. Norlha

Instagram | @norlha_atelier
Handmade in
| Tibet
Category
| Women's Clothing
Certification
| B Corp

Nestled in Ritoma Village on the Tibetan Plateau, Norlha redefines textile craftsmanship. Since 2007, Norlha has transformed a community of 230 nomad families into a thriving atelier, employing 130 former nomads and blending traditional skills with modern technology. Norlha believes in the exceptional qualities of rare fibre, the unparalleled skill of its artisans, and the creation of superior products. Their commitment to an empowered workforce allows artisans to stay rooted in their culture while gaining global exposure. Each scarf showcases the expertise of eight artisans, with the most intricate pieces taking over 100 days to complete. With over 40,000 hours of training and more than $5.8 million invested in local salaries, Norlha honors tradition and promotes sustainable development.

Shop Norlha
Photo by Norlha

2. Lalo

Instagram | @lalo
Handmade in
| Georgia
Category
| Women's Clothing

Lalo creates handmade knitwear clothes from Georgia, Caucasus. The brand was founded in 2012 by twin sisters. Lao makes unique and beautiful pieces often using shapes and sihouettes of different flowers and plants. The brand uses the finest yarns and blends from Caucasus and is known for their knitted cardigans.

Shop Lalo
Photo by Lalo

3. AAKS

Instagram | @aaks
Handmade in
| Ghanna
Category
| Bags
Shipping
| Worldwide

AAKS was founded to introduce the weaving techniques of women in Ghana. The brand offers handcrafted artisan handbags that are ethically produced with Africa's bright, exuberant colors. Craftsmanship and sustainable values are at the core of its production, and each product are unique with the touch of the weaving artisans.

Shop AAKS
Photo by AAKS

4. Sarah's Bag

Instagram | @sarahsbag
Shipping
| Worldwide
Handmade in
| Lebanon

Sarah’s Bag is both a social enterprise and a fashion label, creating one-of-a-kind luxury hand crafted bags and accessories in Lebanon. The brand was launched in 2000 by Sarah Beydoun, who was born and raised in Beirut. Through her brand, she wants to empower both the owmen who make the products and the women who wear them. The brand works with skilled artisans including women from underprivileged backgrounds in Lebanon, helping them to have stable jobs while showcasing their skills.

Shop Sarah's Bag
Photo by Sarah's Bag

5. Toino Abel

Instagram | @toinoabel
Handmade in
| Portugal
Shipping
| Worldwide

Toino Abel is born from Portugual creating reed basket bags in house with original patterns and leather accessories that bring beauty, quality, and functionality. Working with local artisans in the Portuguese countryside, Toino Abel merges design, nature, and folk culture not only supporting the resurrection of this old tradition but also empowering these communities of artisans economically through fair labor and ethical labor practices.

Shop Toino Abel
2021_07_29_9605.jpg
Photo by Toino Abel

6. Hope Macaulay

Instagram | @hopemacaulay
Shipping
| Worldwide
Artisan Partners
| Ireland

Hope Macaulay works with local knitters to create made-to-order unique wool knitwear pieces in Northern Ireland. All handmade, Hope develops exuberant chunky knitwear pieces from sustainably sourced materials such as luxury merino wool and vegan, biodegradable nylon. The brand only sources wool from RWS certified farms, and are handmade to order taking 1-4 weeks to create and deliver.

Shop Hope Macaulay
May be an image of 1 person and fur coat
Photo by Hope Macaulay

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6 Fashion Brands Creating Handmade Knitwear and Accessories with Cultural Pride

July 31, 2024

Celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship of brands that specialize in handmade bespoke accessories and knitwear. In a world where fast fashion reigns supreme, these brands stand out for their commitment to sustainability, quality, and individuality. Each piece is meticulously crafted with care and attention to detail, reflecting a dedication to preserving traditional techniques and supporting skilled artisans.

1. Norlha

Instagram | @norlha_atelier
Handmade in
| Tibet
Category
| Women's Clothing
Certification
| B Corp

Nestled in Ritoma Village on the Tibetan Plateau, Norlha redefines textile craftsmanship. Since 2007, Norlha has transformed a community of 230 nomad families into a thriving atelier, employing 130 former nomads and blending traditional skills with modern technology. Norlha believes in the exceptional qualities of rare fibre, the unparalleled skill of its artisans, and the creation of superior products. Their commitment to an empowered workforce allows artisans to stay rooted in their culture while gaining global exposure. Each scarf showcases the expertise of eight artisans, with the most intricate pieces taking over 100 days to complete. With over 40,000 hours of training and more than $5.8 million invested in local salaries, Norlha honors tradition and promotes sustainable development.

Shop Norlha
Photo by Norlha

2. Lalo

Instagram | @lalo
Handmade in
| Georgia
Category
| Women's Clothing

Lalo creates handmade knitwear clothes from Georgia, Caucasus. The brand was founded in 2012 by twin sisters. Lao makes unique and beautiful pieces often using shapes and sihouettes of different flowers and plants. The brand uses the finest yarns and blends from Caucasus and is known for their knitted cardigans.

Shop Lalo
Photo by Lalo

3. AAKS

Instagram | @aaks
Handmade in
| Ghanna
Category
| Bags
Shipping
| Worldwide

AAKS was founded to introduce the weaving techniques of women in Ghana. The brand offers handcrafted artisan handbags that are ethically produced with Africa's bright, exuberant colors. Craftsmanship and sustainable values are at the core of its production, and each product are unique with the touch of the weaving artisans.

Shop AAKS
Photo by AAKS

4. Sarah's Bag

Instagram | @sarahsbag
Shipping
| Worldwide
Handmade in
| Lebanon

Sarah’s Bag is both a social enterprise and a fashion label, creating one-of-a-kind luxury hand crafted bags and accessories in Lebanon. The brand was launched in 2000 by Sarah Beydoun, who was born and raised in Beirut. Through her brand, she wants to empower both the owmen who make the products and the women who wear them. The brand works with skilled artisans including women from underprivileged backgrounds in Lebanon, helping them to have stable jobs while showcasing their skills.

Shop Sarah's Bag
Photo by Sarah's Bag

5. Toino Abel

Instagram | @toinoabel
Handmade in
| Portugal
Shipping
| Worldwide

Toino Abel is born from Portugual creating reed basket bags in house with original patterns and leather accessories that bring beauty, quality, and functionality. Working with local artisans in the Portuguese countryside, Toino Abel merges design, nature, and folk culture not only supporting the resurrection of this old tradition but also empowering these communities of artisans economically through fair labor and ethical labor practices.

Shop Toino Abel
2021_07_29_9605.jpg
Photo by Toino Abel

6. Hope Macaulay

Instagram | @hopemacaulay
Shipping
| Worldwide
Artisan Partners
| Ireland

Hope Macaulay works with local knitters to create made-to-order unique wool knitwear pieces in Northern Ireland. All handmade, Hope develops exuberant chunky knitwear pieces from sustainably sourced materials such as luxury merino wool and vegan, biodegradable nylon. The brand only sources wool from RWS certified farms, and are handmade to order taking 1-4 weeks to create and deliver.

Shop Hope Macaulay
May be an image of 1 person and fur coat
Photo by Hope Macaulay