The raffia used in producing Ethos Paris accessories is harvested, processed and crocheted into original designs according to Fair Trade practices. Our raffia initiative in Madagascar is our oldest partnership, established in 2003 with a cooperative of local women artisans. Ethos also helped train the local marginalized women to fabricate original accessories such as hats, bags and necklaces that are exclusive to the Ethos line. Today our Fair Trade partner in Madagascar continues to produce in ever increasing quantities, articles that are paid 50% higher than the local rate for their work.

 

The raffia palm (Raphia farinifera or R. ruffia) can grow as high as 60ft and is a sustainable organic resource that grows in abundance in Madagascar. The enormous leaves of the palm are composed of 80 to 100 leaflets, which are peeled from either side of the palm fronds then hung out in the sun. Once dry, they are collected and sorted into different classifications, pressed and dyed. The finished raffia is not only soft, pliable and strong but is also non-shrinking. This natural fiber also offers excellent colorability.

 

                

 

 

 

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Ann Leroux quickly recognised the potential of raffia but it took a while to figure out just how to use this versatile and completely organic fiber in a fashionable way. Madagascan raffia is less dry than other raffia sources and is of particularly high quality due to its fineness and regular length. The first Ethos products made by the women artisans were woven shoulder bags. However, Ann noticed that weaving tended to stress the fibers and cause breakage. She had an idea: why not apply a traditional European skill to this exotic fiber? At a local handicraft store, she found crochet hooks and quickly got to work teaching the women how to crochet. 

 

 

Their first project was to make a sun hat but the initial results were far from perfect. Some hats were ideal for baby heads while others looked like fruit baskets. But once the women got the tension right there was no looking back. Now our Fair Traders are crochet experts and produce a range of beautiful accessories in a palette of colors that complement the Ethos summer collection. Their crochet techniques add a comfortable pliability to the hats and make them ideal for rolling up and packing into a bag for vacation or a weekend in the sun. All hats are lined with a cotton band for extra comfort. 

 

Raffia seeds are now also used for accessories and as decorative additions to our alpaca knitwear.