Sustainable Style: Jade Tribe

Every week we feature a sustainable brand on our blog. This week's featured brand is Jade Tribe.

There are few things in fashion more natural than a basket woven from water hyacinth reeds. With no natural insect opposition or environmental challenges, the water hyacinth has the potential to double its mass every five days in tropical waters, wreaking havoc on any attempts at fishing or even simple navigation.

Harvesting, splitting, drying, and weaving of these reeds can take days or even weeks, requiring patience, skill, and innovation on the part of the artisan. Items that were once made from sisal or banana fibers are now being made with hyacinth reeds.

Jade Tribe works with weavers in a Laos village to produce their beachy yet jet-set sustainable and fair trade handbag collection. Since launching in 2009 with jewelry and handbags, the brand has expanded to include home accessories and ready to wear. Jade Tribe items are available for purchase on their website as well as top fashion retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue and resort boutiques worldwide.

Credit: Photo from Instagram