Nature’s gift of stylish chic. Using natural materials without guilt
In the sloping green hills in the countryside of Minangkabau, West Sumatera, Indonesia, Dewi Fabriana starts her day with Instagram followed by coffee for breakfast. As a designer and artist, Dewi’s mission is to create eco-baskets using ‘unwanted weeds’ to give them a new lease in life. With her zero-waste attitude, her brand Sakombu features local and global designs that are contemporary, fashionable, and practical with some of her range featuring geometric patterns to boho-chic.
Dewi draws inspiration from nature and utilises the raw Mansiang weeds to develop her range in baskets, shoulder bags, and backpacks. The products are 100% organic with no preservatives or toxic chemicals and can last an average of two years with heavy use in different climates and conditions. Sakombu’s range of baskets are the perfect option for the ultimate ‘eco look’ that can be achieved in home styling and décor with their plant pots, kitchenware, and organisers. The bags and backpacks can be styled to suit the coastal beach getaway to the casual weekend look for everyone.
Since 2018, each Sakombu product has made its own statement that illustrates the importance of cultural and heritage preservation and craft. Dewi and her small group of talented Minangnese women continue to pass down the traditional method of weaving or ‘anyaman’ in Indonesian language. With Dewi’s supervision, she empowers each woman by challenging them to learn and develop new skills.
The local women tend to have lower education levels and rely on making ends meet as full-time housewives. Sakombu has empowered the women to realise that they can make a greater impact by believing in their self-worth. Dewi explains that her team has doubted their ability to create the products stating “I cannot make it like this. I cannot make it like that”. But with Dewi’s guidance she has allowed the women to flourish as artisans all whilst earning a fair wage. Today, the Sakombu team explores ways to innovate and workshop new designs that appeal to the contemporary markets, and attract artists and influencers from all over the world. The success story is now sold in countries like the UK.
Check out @sakombu on Instagram and support Dewi’s mission that values women empowerment and environmental sustainability. Helping local artisans adds value to the small villages and communities.
Images credit @sakombu