DID YOU KNOW? (More about our leather)

Leather has long been synonymous with durability, style, and craftsmanship. Yet, within the world of leather, there exist various types, each possessing unique qualities and characteristics that define its essence. From the supple finesse of goat skin to the robust nature of cowhide, the diverse array of leathers used in bag-making forms the foundation of exceptional creations.

At Haiti Design Co., we procure leather conscientiously, prioritizing sustainability and ethical standards. Embracing natural materials, our bags are crafted from goat and cow leather, distinguished by their individual textures and attributes. Goat skin, thinner and softer, embodies elegance and flexibility, while cowhide, thicker and sturdier, exudes resilience and longevity. Both leathers come in an assortment of colors, allowing for a spectrum of creative expression.

The quest for sustainability drives our practices. We meticulously vet our sources, ensuring that the leather we use adheres to ethical standards. Our commitment extends beyond sourcing; it encompasses the lifespan and durability of our bags. By utilizing natural, vegetable-tanned leather, we not only guarantee sturdiness but also ensure that our products stand the test of time, promising a lifetime of use.

Minimizing waste is ingrained in our craftsmanship. Handcrafted with precision, our bag-making process yields minimal excess material. Emphasizing accurate measurements and employing techniques that focus on thread work rather than excessive hardware, we strive to diminish waste and responsibly handle any leftover materials.

Designing and creating these bags pose both challenges and rewards. Translating an image into a tangible, functional piece demands meticulous planning and execution. Our designs, born from originality and inspired by the world around us, undergo a metamorphosis from concept to creation. While inspiration might spark from various sources, the end result resonates with authenticity and uniqueness, reflecting the touch of our artisans.

Working with our specially curated sustainable leather brings a distinct advantage. Its natural softness and texture lend an air of authenticity, complementing the handmade craftsmanship. This unique quality sets our products apart, infusing them with a genuine, organic aesthetic that cannot be replicated.

In the realm of leather bags, our dedication to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and unparalleled craftsmanship remains the cornerstone. Each creation not only embodies elegance and functionality but also narrates a story of conscious design and timeless appeal. With every stitch, we weave together artistry and sustainability, creating pieces that transcend trends and stand as testaments to enduring craftsmanship.

WRITTEN BY ANSHIKA LOOMBA FOLLOW ANSHIKA'S INSTAGRAM

Why is supporting artisan brands vital for keeping our planet healthy?

Hello all! My name is Tiffany and I’m one of the newest interns here at Haiti Design Co. Something about me is that I’ve always been one to appreciate culture. My mother was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. Visiting Monterrey to see family would always be one of my favorite times of the year. Eating all the amazing foods, being apart of the beautiful culture, and seeing people make such wonderful art. I never understood though how individuals who made such charming art, like jewelry, clothing, and accessories, could go unnoticed in the world. That’s when I began to do my research on artisan brands, and the more I learned the more I was in favor of them. I had always been apart of the battle of protecting the Earth, and I suppose I got it from my father who was vegan for over 25 years. I grew up hearing all the ways we could combat climate change, but supporting artisan brands had never been one of them.

It’s no secret that fast fashion isn’t sustainable. The whole trend of buying new clothes every week just to throw them out within the month is no good for the planet. But not many people know how to avoid it, it’s almost like fast fashion follows us every where we go. I’ve had my own struggles trying to avoid fast fashion as well, it’s something everyone goes through. Our favorite brands typically don’t keep sustainability in mind when creating new clothing lines. About 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions stems from fast fashion. This is a growing issue that people need to start focusing on! The main issue though is that people don’t know where to shop for cute trendy clothes and accessories. That’s the importance of thrifting and buying at artisan brands.

Not only are artisan brands cultural, but they’re sustainable in the way they create their products. Every product is handmade. Can you imagine that? All of the hard work that is put into curating designs for various products. By choosing to support artisan brands, you are leaving less of a carbon footprint. You are being the good the Earth needs in order to maintain itself. Choosing to support small businesses in general leaves positive impacts on business owners and employees, as well as it does leave a positive impact on the Earth’s resources since they don’t mass produce like big companies.

Need a reason to shop at Haiti Design Co? They’re all about keeping integrity within Haiti’s culture. They create designs that reflect the hard work and passion that Haitians have. While doing all of this they also manage to stay trendy with their looks, which again, are all extremely sustainable and hand-crafted from people working in Haiti. Some of my personal favorites from Haiti Design Co is the Aluminum Message Cuff, which is so personal and makes the cutest gift for loved ones, Bone Pendant Necklace, which goes with about any outfit, and the Double Wrap Leather Bracelet, which is so perfect for fall! Definitely take the time to browse through their website because there are so many treasures that many companies can’t replicate.

The Aluminum Message Cuff, which is malleable and is a sand casted aluminum cuff, comes with various Haitian phrases on it. Phrases like "FANM DJANM", meaning strong woman, "VIV AYITI", meaning live strong Haiti, and more. Being able to embrace the nation’s language and culture embodies the connection that artisan brands have the ability to create. Even if you’re not one for learning about culture, there is no denying how cute these cuffs are! I’m more of a silver jewelry kind of girl so these Aluminum Cuffs go perfect with my collection.

Another item that you should add to your collection is the Bone Pendant Necklace. Ethically gathered and hand formed bone pendant backed in wood and strung on Czech glass seed beads. They offer the necklaces in different colors: cream, turquoise, and pale blue. My personal favorite is cream since it can match with about every outfit you wear. That’s what makes Haiti Design’s accessories so ethical, they’re easy to wear everyday, meaning that you don’t have to over-consume tons of jewelry to make an outfit whole. The designs are practical and cute. Being able to wear beautiful, but ethical designs, has to be one of the greatest feelings.

Lastly, one of my other recommendations is the Double Wrap Leather Bracelet. Made up of genuine full-grain leather, this bracelet is to die for! The colors, black, tan, and chestnut, are so fitting for the fall season and will go with just about any fall item you wear. I know that I’ll definitely be wearing one with my cute tan turtleneck and my dark brown dress on top. But not even just for fall, they’re adorable to wear with casual clothes for any type of season as well. That’s the beauty with simple designs, they can be worn whenever the customer pleases. So you will all see me wearing this leather bracelet throughout the year in turtlenecks, shorts, tees, and jeans.

So Overall, shop with artisan brands! They’re handcrafted items that will always satisfy customer’s needs. Trendy, sustainable, and cultural are the best words to describe

what they bring to the table in the fashion world. Be the good the world needs while also looking stylish. Although I talked about my personal favorites, there are still so many more attractive pieces in the Haiti Design Collective. Take the time to appreciate the culture and hard work that goes into crafting these items. Feel free to personally DM me if you have any questions or want more recommendations on what you should buy for your personal collection! As always, have an amazing and colorful day.

Written by Tiffany Thomas. fOLLOW TIFFANY ON Instagram!

Partner Highlight: MADE GLOBAL

Five years ago, I started Made after seeing the incredible impact that social enterprises (like HDC) were having in Haiti by providing people jobs with fair pay + many other provisions. They were people first businesses, understanding that if a business can only survive by unfair payment and treatment of employees, the business model is not working. Even further, it was after realizing that over half of the world’s orphans still had parents who were unable to afford raising their children, even though many had full-time work that I started to dig further into how we can be a part of creating work that opens the door for families to stay and thrive together.

The more I became exposed to the important conversation of ethical fashion, the more I dreamed of bringing something to my city —Williamsburg, Virginia. I wanted Williamsburg to have a place to purchase fair trade and ethically-made goods while getting to know the people who made what they’re buying. I wanted people to realize how connected we are and to shop in a way that honors our connectedness and celebrates the stories.

So, I bought a few pieces from talented artisans I knew in Haiti, and I hosted our first pop-up at my favorite local coffee shop. Then, we started selling online, continuing to partner with new groups all around the world who were making quality and stunning pieces, sharing their stories and inviting people to shop differently —considering the story that started before them. From the beginning, we have wanted to open our own brick and mortar shop, but I knew we needed to grow slow and take our time. I had a lot to learn, as I had only non-profit experience and hardly knew anything about running a business. A few months ago, we signed a lease on our first space which will hopefully open by next spring. My goal with the shop is to create a space that invites people to consider the stories behind what they buy through purchasing, our workshops, book clubs and other educational opportunities. It has been a journey and I am loving it.

There are three thing I love most about what I do: One, I love getting to tell good stories — and I get to do a lot of that. I absolutely love sharing with someone about who made what they are considering purchasing, helping people to see the story that started before them.

Two, I love watching people change their shopping patterns and habits to make space for better living for others. When a customer tells me they are buying less so they can buy better, it is a good day.

Three, I love seeing what people make and celebrating it. Buying, selling, sharing, and getting to support good employment is an absolute joy.

I met HDC years ago through the non-profit I work for, Wings of Refuge, Inc. We would bring groups to visit and a few of the teens in our program interned for HDC during the summer months. Over the years, Chandler, Josh, and Fabienne have been amazing at connecting me to the work

A few of our current favorites — my whole team has and loves the Julienne bag. A few customer favorites — the black essentials crossbody bag, keyfobs, the Cheri necklace, and the scrunchie fanny pack.

Why is buying ethically important to you?

Simplified, because people matter — more than anything. I want my decisions to make life better for others, those I rub shoulders with here in Williamsburg, and those I may never meet. Shopping ethically is not a luxury; it’s believing that people are worth fair wages no matter the cost.

One of the reasons I started made is because I want to be a part of creating a world where fair and safe employment is the norm — where a child doesn’t have to grow up in an orphanage because their mom can’t make enough at her full time job + where child labor really is something of the past (not just in this country).

I think sometimes we think fighting for justice requires huge grand gestures, and while it might sometimes, most days it can look like choosing to be intentional about where we spend our money. Because EVERYTHING has a story that started before we bought it, and we get to choose what stories get worn, represented, and told over and over.

Brands I love at the moment:

I am a huge fan of Known Supply and all that they stand for. I love their commitment to sustainability in every sense, from fair wages to organic materials. Anchal Project in India is another favorite that I will carry more of in our shop. I love the way the women combine traditional methods with fresh design. As far as what I wear, it is mostly all secondhand, thrifted around town or from Poshmark, with some ethical brands woven within.

“Shopping ethically is not a luxury; it’s believing that people are worth fair wages no matter the cost.”

— Holly Webb

The "Kenbe - Lage" Tradition and why it's imporant

We love new year resolutions! They are are such a great way to embrace fresh starts but if we are being honest, many of our resolutions are not really sustainable. We tend to keep adding new resolutions to the ones we haven’t even practiced from the previous year.

There is power in simplicity and making sure the goals we set for ourselves are realistic, specific and attainable. Most importantly, it is important to be able to go back to hold goals and habits and do a clean up instead of constantly adding.

Years ago at Haiti Design Co, we started the new year tradition called “Kenbe, Lage” (Hold on, Let Go) where the team gets vocal about what they want to leave in the previous year and what they want to take with them in the new year.

This year was no different. We made sure our staff took the time to vocalize what they wanted to leave behind and what they are looking forward to for 2022.

No need to say it has been quite a challenging year for us and now more than ever, we need to keep our hope and faith up. We want to encourage you to do the same. No matter where you live or your circumstances, remember that as long as there is life, there is hope and things to look forward to and let go off.

Here are some of our artisan’s resolutions for 2022

Mwen vle kite selibatè pou 2021. Mwen vle kite tout move panse negatif yo ki te konn fè mwen pè pou mwen avanse. Nan ane 2022 a, menaj men avèm ap pran dispozisyon pou nou prepare maryaj nou

I want to leave all of the negative thoughts that used to keep me stuck. I also want to leave the single life behind. In 2022, my boyfriend and I are taking action to plan our wedding

- Maxanne -

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Pou 2021, map kite epav, paresès. Sa yo Konn fè mwen pa verman ekonomize kòb mwen. An 2022 map kenbe disiplin pou mwen kapab travay pi byen epi pou mwen kapab fè ekonomi

In 2021, I leave laziness and procrastination. Because of these I often don’t make proper money savings. In 2022 I am keeping a spirit of discipline in order to work better and also save my money.

- Kavakia -

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We are wishing you the best for 2022!

may this be your best year yet…

Behind the Scenes... F21 Shoot with Haiti Design Co

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Behind the scenes of our F21 shoot at @galeriemonnin in Kenscoff Haiti ✨

@njoachim’s album “Fanm D’Ayiti” is a household favorite of ours and we were over the moon when it aligned for her to be a part of this shoot with us in Haiti. Her work so beautifully weaves together Haitian tradition, cultural icons, classical arrangements, and soul grooving beats.

This behind the scenes clip of @faily.makeup and @njoachim features the iconic “Legba Nan Konsole” from the album. When asked why Nathalie decided to cover this song this is what she shared-

“This was a song that Emerante de Predines sang. I paired it with Maman m voye m peze kafe (another song of hers). Both songs brought together a crucial message: one that demonstrates Emerante's own strength in bringing forth the story of ordinary people trying to go about living their lives in Haiti but meeting obstacles that are meant to be accepted without question, and all the while needing to have faith that Legba (a spiritual connector and communicator) will care for them in the presence of their struggles. The story is all too familiar in Haiti's current landscape, as is the need for continued faith.”