6 Fashion Brands Creating Handmade Knitwear and Accessories with Cultural Pride
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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