A A K S

AAKS sheds light on the need for our purchases to respect the land as well as provide livelihoods for all of Earth’s people. In addition to their staple product of hand-woven bags, this company has an initiative called Weaving for Change, the Light Shade Collection. Purchases of these light shades created with innovation and traditional craft of the Tuareg heritage, supports the Tuareg community from Northern Mali of whom some are living as refugees in Burkina Faso. Every light shade, every basket, and every bag are made individually by artisans in Africa using traditional methods joined with modern aesthetics from the fashion industry. Chic, responsibly made, and each item one of a kind; a powerful fashion statement for anyone.

AAKS uses ecologically harvested raffia for their hand-made and hand-dyed products. They are focused on fair-trade and low waste using the remains of raffia from one bag to create a smaller bag with the leftovers. There is strong attention to the design element with the founder being an experienced fashion designer in the industry while holding a critical attention to craftsmanship, authenticity, and ethical values in their production. The craftsmanship is the foundation of their brand.