Clothing, San Francisco:

Envelopes (& Totes) with Your Name on Them

Contributed By: emily

Not just because she designs out of San Francisco-though much of our editorial team also lives in and loves the City by the Bay-we adore Jamie Lim’s new Kayu bags. After launching a line of bamboo sunglasses, Lim has expanded to introduce the Lilian Envelope ($135) and Mel Tote ($225) made from manila hemp and created by artisans from the Southern Philippines T’boli tribe.

Lim’s approach is a rare one in the region, whose economy was once sustained on hand crafted goods but whose natural processes have been undermined by the popularity of synthetic rattan. Kayu’s vegetable-tanned straps and $15 donation to Awareness Cambodia for school supplies for each bag purchased are a good looking breath of fresh air.