Bohemia Design

We’re excited to announce the new arrival of Bohemia products into our store.

Working collaboratively with artisans in Morocco, India, Kenya, and Turkey, Bohemia operates in an involved way ‘to act as a bridge between traditional crafting communities and an audience who value authentic goods, sustainably produced’.

Through an in-depth, first-hand understanding of the techniques and processes required to make each of their products, Bohemia provides an ethical platform for traditional makers to bring their work to a worldwide audience, championing skills passed down through generations to craft goods that elevate and endure.

The earthy tones and textures of Bohemia’s range mean their products are right at home alongside our Nadinoo garments. A favourite of mine are their babouche slippers; handmade in Morocco by local artisans, they remain as relevant and stylish today as they have been for centuries. The leather is tanned in Marrakech with natural agents, before being dyed using plant- based materials to a bespoke, updated palette thought up by their design team. Once the leathers have been dried in the sun, they’re patiently hand-stitched into gorgeously soft, comfortable slippers, just as they have been for many lifetimes. They’re a great example of the subtle beauty found in natural fibres and simple shades - the type of detail that speaks for itself to add a whole other dimension of touch and texture to an outfit, and something that we as creators are always focused on realising in our garments.

Also sourced from Morocco is Bohemia’s range of wooden tableware, hand-carved in a wood atelier from rich-grained olive and walnut. Minimalist silhouettes provide an updated look without losing the nuances gifted to the pieces by their makers - tiny markings, hand-sculpted forms, raw sections of wood selected for their natural beauty. It’s increasingly important to embrace the perfectly imperfect in a sea of mass-produced lookalikes.

Say hello to handwoven Moroccan baskets too - supremely practical in their reliable construction and timeless, roomy shape. Basket-making is an essential source of income for many rurally- based makers to supplement the money they earn primarily in farming roles, and baskets can be skilfully woven from locally available and sustainable doum palm, reed, and alfa grass. These natural fibres are worked into braided strips that make up the forms of mats, lampshades, and of course baskets, making for a low-impact practise with little to no transportation. Carefree and simplistic, they add a touch of Summer to any ensemble.

Welcoming Bohemia’s line of wares into our shop was an easy decision. Slow fashion should be a place for us to celebrate diversity and heritage as part of a wider tradition of valuing time- honoured methods and the hands that achieve them. Although known throughout history by different names, the idea of ‘sustainability’ isn’t new. In fact, it’s perhaps illustrated best by these simple, utilitarian forms that have been made to last and last, passed down through generations to provide us with the same comfort and durability today. Giving back by providing continuous orders and employment for local makers is something we feel really strongly about, in order to allow the people that learn and execute these skills to continue creating and distributing beautiful objects.

SHOP BOHEMIA

We hope you enjoy this considered collection of offerings from Bohemia as much as we do, and find joy in their seamless joining of traditional methods and contemporary details.

Words by Lily Burrows