Luxury bags created using large fallen leaves from teak trees. The pulp from the trees are utilized for the additional textiles needed to make the bag in its entirety.
Born from the idea that animals, people, and the planet should not have to suffer for others to wear something beautiful. Nature offers many sustainable and ethical options that are even more spectacular than something man made.
Thamon has designed and developed an entire luxury collection of exquisite bags by taking their cue from nature. Teak leaves provide an intricate canvas for luxury goods, each with a unique pattern and individuality.
We had the opportunity to speak with Bennie, founder of Thamon to learn more about this innovative and sustainable brand.
When was Thamon created, by whom, and how did the idea come to mind?
In 2013, there were anti-fur protests outside the Harrods department store in the UK. The protest was quite strong and caught my attention. So, I researched further and was appalled by the level of cruelty inflicted on animals before slaughter. I then understood that killing an animal for food and fashion is cruel in it of itself. I was even more shocked to discover that livestock by-products account for over 50% of greenhouse gas emissions. This made me realize that this issue cannot be ignored and that we need to stand up for this cause.
By this time, cruelty-free fashion had already established itself as one of the staples of the 21st century. Young customers are constantly on the lookout for new brands that convey their views and support their lifestyle choices. However, despite the growth of the UK vegan scene, the market for leather alternatives is still somewhat lacking in diversity. Most vegan-friendly materials simply mimic leather or focus on sustainability rather than design.
Fortunately, in 2014, with the help of the University of East Anglia, my friend and I were able to develop a technology that preserves plant leaves into sheet suitable for making handbags, purses, stationery, accessories, etc., and founded Thamon. The word Thamon is found in many languages and cultures. In Greek, it means “bush” In Southeast Asian language, “Thamon” means “of pure and untouched nature” Inspired by this meaning and our ethos, Thamon, the first London-based ethical fashion design company to use real tree leaves for fashion accessories, was born.
What type of fabrics are the teak leaves attached to create the full bag?
The leaves are attached to tree pulp and cotton.
Are the dyes sustainable and eco-friendly?
Yes! The dye we use is environmentally friendly and contains no toxic ingredients.
You mentioned in a blog that the farmers and sewers are local to Thailand, is this where the bags will continue to be made?
The entire process from leaf collection to bag production takes place in Thailand. This way, we can see the work and their living conditions on site and make sure that the money reaches them directly. This not only has the advantage that we can support them directly, but also that the carbon footprint during transport is reduced.
Each employee is paid fair wages in ethical conditions?
We pay each employee fairly, as demanded by the sewers. The wage depends on the difficulty of the work and the time it takes. Usually we offer a better wage than the average. They also have the right to accept or refuse the work. The locals usually work at their homes. In this way, they can work in the working environment they prefer and they can work freely whenever they want.
Which style bag is the bestseller?
Box Bag, Ingrid, Camden, Rachel, Pearl and Margot.
What is the design inspiration?
Nature and art.
What is next for Thamon and what are some of the goals for the future?
In the future, we would like to explore more practical applications for our creative designs and offer more environmentally conscious product lines, including jewelry and clothing. Right now, we are expanding and developing a variety of handbags and designs to offer products that meet the needs of our customers in every lifestyle. More products are in the pipeline! Later, perhaps interior design or packaging. The possibilities are open and exciting. With every small step we take, we strive to move the world forward towards cruelty-free, fashionable designs, while being kind to the environment.
