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| "Gigi" style clutch, raffia with decorative wood button; $68 |
"Plume" style purse, raffia/cotton blend with wood handle and leather tabs; $110 |
"Ile Stainte Marie" style tote, seagrass, crocheted raffia, and wood handle; $75 |
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I have always been appreciative of great design, but
the essence of my passion is more than just making pretty things. So, I was
thrilled when, three years ago, I had the opportunity to work with Laurel
Brandstetter, new business owner and friend, at her fair trade handbag company,
Mad Imports. Over the course of our work together, we have successfully
integrated fashion and social responsibility to bring fantastic purposeful
products to the fashionistas of the world.
With a degree in textile product management I brought an urban aesthetic to a
collection that is handmade in Madagascar and Kenya. As lead designer and
marketing associate, I conceptualize bags that combine contemporary New York and
traditional African design ideas.
From clutches to beach bags, the artists and weavers of Madagascar and Kenya
work collaboratively to create hand-crafted works of art. We use renewable
materials like raffia, penjy reed, sisal, sea grass, and Baobab tree bark. Our
designs have unique accents such as bamboo, horn, and coconut shell. Using such
distinctive materials and collaborating with artists and craftspeople across the
globe, we have created a wonderfully cohesive collection.
We are committed to making socially responsible products that enable families to
gain economic independence and earn fair compensation for their talent and hard
work. Mad Imports’ handbags are fun, energetic and sophisticated and appeal to
women who are both socially and fashion conscious.
The most fulfilling experiences in this venture have been the overwhelmingly
positive responses to our handbags and philosophy, as well as working with and
learning from the artisans in Madagascar. Knowing that these collaborations of
creativity and skill have made a real and positive difference in peoples’ lives
has proven to me that we can have it all. We can be socially conscious AND
fashionable. It’s true. It’s here. It’s now. It’s what I do.
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IHDA Finalist: Most Socially Responsible Handbag
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What is your name? |
Jamila Hubbard |
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Where are you from? |
San Francisco Bay Area |
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Where do you live now? |
New York City |
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How old are you? |
31 |
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Do you have a design background? |
Yes. |
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Do you still have a day job? |
Yes. |
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What year were your bags born? |
2003 |
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Bag brand name: |
Mad Imports |
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What is their retail price range? |
$14 - $110 |
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Where can a shopper buy your bags? |
www.madimports.net |
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For more information, contact: |
www.madimports.net |
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| 1. | love the tote bag - colors are fantastic - and its a fabulous summer bag for every season - J from NYC, May 01, 2007. | | 2. | Gigi here Looooving the Gigi clutch, not just because thats my name :-) but love the vibarnt colours , the curves which are very symbolic of a woman and the envelope style. Would love to feature you in my book about the Art of Accessorisation Yummy WishesGigi - Gigi Morley from LDN, March 03, 2008. | | 3. | Hello everybody, my name is Damion, and I'm glad to join your conmunity, and wish to assit as far as possible. - DamionKutaeff from Lebanon, March 22, 2008. | | 4. | Hello everybody, my name is Daniel, and I'm glad to join your conmunity, Wish to assist as far as possible. - Dan(lazy)Honnet from Oman, March 25, 2008. |
Designer Archive:
| More Designers:
January 07, 2009 - Mei - Mei Suwaid
January 05, 2009 - Marissa Designs - Marissa Gomes
January 02, 2009 - Bari J. - Bari J. Ackerman
December 31, 2008 - Nitro*A*gogo! - Leeza M. Diehl
December 29, 2008 - GIULIO - Julio Irving
December 26, 2008 - Liz Shaw Design - Liz Shaw
December 24, 2008 - Neiko Designs - Amanda and Lien Truong
December 22, 2008 - makeda collection nyc - Makeda Amha
December 19, 2008 - Naturally Knotty - Jasmine Fullman
December 17, 2008 - Zaicaner for Creollus - Zaicaner
December 15, 2008 - VIANOVA - Dalit Rosenfeld
December 11, 2008 - Meli' Melo' - Melissa Del Bono
December 10, 2008 - ZEFANYA - Yenny Widjaja
December 08, 2008 - Belle Pour La Vie - Yvette Estime
December 05, 2008 - stripykat - Katie Brown
December 03, 2008 - ç a r n c e - Chance Jackson
December 01, 2008 - Holly Surya - Holly Surya
November 28, 2008 - Luma - Lucia Madueño
November 26, 2008 - Klutch - Victoria Selano & Sonia Pinto
November 24, 2008 - Her Majesty's Power Handbag - Princess Fumi Ogunleye
November 21, 2008 - LaLucca - Laura Pimentel
November 19, 2008 - J&P Yoga - Jennifer Porter
November 17, 2008 - KAIA PETERKA - Kaia Peterka
November 14, 2008 - Pallina Designs - Amanda Dick
November 12, 2008 - Danielle Teylor - Danielle Teylor
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