Jute & Jackfruit is proud of our business connection to Nahui Ollin, a company that provides Mayan Indigenous peoples in Mexico not only a chance to work in return for Fair Trade wages, but an opportunity to preserve their traditional mayan weaving techniques with a chic modern way.

Nahui Ollin handbags combine recycled Mexican candy wrappers, which otherwise would have been sent to the incinerator or landfill, and a traditional Mayan weaving technique to create not only unique but fashionable bags! They are made with great care and are extremely labor intensive.

For instance, the ER (in Tutti Frutti below) bag has approximately 4,000 candy wrappers and takes an skilled indigenous artisan 4-5 entire work days to complete.

These purses remind most women of childhood, when they spent their days weaving candy wrappers in long lines for necklaces or bracelets.

What about the name?
Nahui Ollin, is the name of a famous Mexican artist known for environmental conservation, and an inspiration for Olga Abadi (lead designer for Nahui Ollin). Respect and admiration for the environment and people are core concepts in the Nahui Ollin collection.

The bags range from the smallest 'Itsy Bitsy' (very popular) to the Moonlite Clutch, Gran Ball and eco-chic 'Ritual with Buckle.' Below is the Itsy Bitsy in Black and White.

So who needs leather or snakeskin when you can have a bag that is just as shiny, soft and chic, that actually benefits Mother Nature rather than diminishes her precious resources?

The stunning, one-of-a-kind bags are easily dressed up or down, used for any occasion and draw crowds and conversations wherever they are worn. A great way to make a difference on the environment and people through the marketplace.

To see other eco-Friendly and Fair Trade handbags at Jute & Jackfruit see our website and blog.