IKEA’s latest collection, MÄVINN, is not only gorgeous, featuring natural materials like denim and jute, but it aims to help to provide long-term jobs for vulnerable people in rural areas in Asia.
The collection, announced Thursday, May 11, consists of 20 pieces for the home, including baskets, rugs, cushion covers, a lampshade, an apron, a workbag, and a wall organiser, all made by local artisans employed by IKEA’s social business partners.
The collection celebrates the traditional craftsmanship of the artisans, and because each piece is handcrafted, no two pieces are the same. IKEA works with 11 social businesses around the Earth, through its IKEA Social Entrepreneurship, and focuses on creating products that can be sold internationally, in higher volumes, leading to more job opportunities.
“Our initial idea was to emphasise craftsmanship and bring the person who made the product to the forefront”, says Paulin Machado, Designer at IKEA of Sweden. “This led us to think about the experience of visiting a local craft market, the interesting objects you might find there, and the people selling their crafts.
“Every item has a distinctive look and rustic feel, blending colourful splashes with natural materials through embroidery and woven designs where their handmade nature gives its uniqueness.”
Each piece is made from cotton, leftover materials from denim production, and natural fibres like the bark of mulberry trees, banana fibres, and jute. Most materials were sourced locally in Bangladesh, India, Thailand, and Vietnam, where the social businesses are based.
The natural fibre materials were picked for their durability and renewability, as well as their potential to create job opportunities in both sourcing and production. The combination of materials and production techniques is based on the skills and expertise of the seven social business partners.
Denim is a major material focus for the collection, with IKEA Designer Maria Vinka telling US home publication Apartment Therapy it’s a timeless classic that never goes out of style. “[…] what I really like about it is that it gets better with age and the more you use it,” she said. “Its texture and durability can add a casual and effortless vibe to any space and suit various interior design styles.”
“In MÄVINN, we worked with different shades of denim to create a beautiful contrast alongside all the natural materials. Overall, I think denim is a fantastic material for home furnishing due to its robustness, durability, and timeless appeal. It’s definitely worth considering if you want to incorporate a classic material into your home decor that will stand the test of time.”
MÄVINN will be available in IKEA stores and online across Australia from June 2023.
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