Bohemian Vintage Festival Bag/Waist Pouch - Fair Trade & Sustainable

Our boho festival bag/purse is a perfect example of “Old is the new new”!

Each bag is one of a kind and created by talented Thai artist Pranom. She uses vintage Hmong Hill Tribe embroidery and repurposed upcycled denim jeans, making your shoulder bag historical and sustainable.

Take off the removable shoulder strap and use it as a belt bag/fanny pack with the built-in loop (with your own belt) for hands-free convenience.

• Each bag is a one-of-a-kind piece!
• Please note: Variations in design, color, and texture are due to the traditional handwork and weave of each woman in the community
• The repurposed denim also varies in shade and color (new but imperfect jeans given a new life and saved from the landfill!) 
• Sustainable, eco-friendly & upcycled 
• 100% Cotton
  
• Size: 8.5" W x 5" H x 1.5" deep
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Snap closure
• Three ways to wear: Shoulder bag, handbag, or use the built-in belt-loop for a waist bag/fanny pack
  
• Multiple compartments and two zipped pockets
• Wash in cold water by hand
  
• Handcrafted by Thai artisan designer Pranom
  
• Fair Trade

Why Fair Trade Bags?

Being located in a remote region, finding living wage reliable work is difficult, if not impossible, due to agriculture being the primary source of income. Because of Pranom’s Fair Trade income, she can stay in her village with her family and provide them with the nutrition, healthcare, and education they need. Through your purchases, she can share her beautiful designs and craftsmanship with new admirers across the globe. Each bag makes a difference. Thank you for your support of Pranom and Fair Trade! 

What are the Hmong Hill Tribe and Embroidery? 

The Hmong (sometimes called the ‘Meo), with an estimated 125,000  living in Thailand, are the second-largest hill tribe and minority group. They tend to be located in higher altitudes and grow rice, corn, and other crops, making reliable income difficult. 

The Hmong are world-renown for their time-intensive and unique textile work and embroidering skills. This sewing is called Paj Ntaub (pronounced “pan “dow”) and means flower cloth in Hmong.

Their tradition is practiced exclusively by women and is handed down from mothers to daughters. Each pattern has a meaning related to Hmong history and culture, and for generations, these textile designs have been used to pass stories on to their children. Their intricate story cloth embroidery is used to decorate hand-sewn clothes for the Hmong New Year and other celebrations.