Beach, please!
> This start-up is weaving traditional art and modern aesthetics for your perfect dose of vitamin
THE glory days of hand-woven bags are long gone, but two best friends are breathing modernity and enhanced functionality into the traditional tote while giving back to a local community. Partnering with the women of Sarawak’s Penan tribe, Charlie Siaw (pix) and Choo Wai Ling of Summer Dream (www.summer-d. com) bear a twofold agenda: to be a one-stop boutique for beach holiday essentials, and to preserve local craft in support of its artisans.
“We were visiting a university friend in Miri, Sarawak a year ago, when we were introduced to a group of Penan artisans. We admired and saw a potential in their handweaving skill, and having understood the tribe’s economic circumstance, we decided to work with them to help them and at the same time introduce the craft to the young generation,” Siaw told theSun. Even though Summer Dream launched only last November, its motivation traces back to the duo’s university days in the UK. Summer breaks were one thing that Siaw and Choo looked forward to to cope with a hectic schedule and Manchester’s notorious weather. “Back then, we never found a shop where we could get everything. We struggled to find summer essentials that are both stylish and functional. We realised that beach bags are usually made out of fabric, and they go out of shape after carrying a heavy load, while hats had to be sourced elsewhere. “So it was during our visitation to the Penan village that we ultimately decided to take matters into our hands and fill the void in the market with the things we want. This is where Summer Dream comes into play,” Siaw said, adding that a Penan artisan can produce up to three bags a day. To appeal to the fashionconscious, Summer Dream’s pilot design is coated in single vibrant colours and comes in a deluxe rainbow edition. The totes – traditionally weaved with bamboo – are handcrafted using climateproof and water-resistant PVC, and are available in three sizes. For added wearability, each tote comes with its own sling and can be folded in from the sides to look compact without altering its original shape when released.
“A lot of people love the small bags that it’s sold out. Also, a lot of people like doing charity so they’re very happy to know that part of the proceeds go to the Penan community. As for the Penan ladies, they love that we are enhancing and showcasing their work to the world,” Siaw noted.
By April, Siaw and Choo hope to release Summer Dream’s next series of bags that will sport a monochrome palette and a different silhouette. The start-up is also looking to collaborate with other beach holiday brands, and sourcing swimwear and accessories to complement the brand concept. It will nonetheless, continuously champion the Penan’s handicraft in the limelight.
“In the future, we want to bring this handweaving skill to the next level – by incorporating it to create home products. With this, we target to be a one-stop summer essentials retailer and expand the potential of a Malaysian tribal craft,” said Siaw.