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.