SPOTLIGHT ON KALINKO
Sophie Garnier, founder of Burmese homeware brand Kalinko, shares her story
Meet the founder of the Burmese homeware brand
Established in 2016, Kalinko, named after a tribe in north-west Burma, is a beautifully curated collection of artisanal homeware. Founder Sophie Garnier started her career in the art business and fell in love with Burma when travelling with her husband, Ralph.
‘We couldn’t stop buying amazing things from all around the country,’ recalls Garnier, who now lives in Yangon. ‘It was all made by people in tiny villages who struggled to find buyers.’ Her passion for keeping local craft alive and enabling makers to earn a living from their skills drove her to set up Kalinko.
‘Cheap, factory-made imports were flooding in from China, so handmade things were too expensive for the local market. Crafters had to farm to boost their income, spending less and less time working with their skills. Forgive the drama, but it feels like putting a brain surgeon to work on a toll booth; such a waste. I decided to take these beautiful items to global markets by ordering directly from the makers.’
The techniques and design of the products are intrinsically Burmese, and while Kalinko may suggest colours and shapes, they are careful not to interfere with the crafts’ original nature. ‘We work closely with our crafters to help them create products that appeal to international markets, and are committed to paying wages that will afford them economic growth. Each time a customer buys an item, we reorder from its creator; it’s that direct.
‘We work with about 150 family groups, and have significantly increased their monthly income. Our aim is to do this for 500 families by November 2021.’
Kalinko’s aesthetic is a modern take on rattan, inspired by the colours of the streets of Burma and traditional patterns. We love the handwoven fabrics used for the cushions; each piece takes weeks to weave and is so special and tactile. ‘The rattan ice bucket flies off the shelves,’ says Garnier. ‘It’s a brilliant present. Every home should have one!’
What’s in Garnier’s home? ‘In Yangon, Burma, a mixture of Kalinko and things we’ve picked up from our travels around the country. In London we have Kalinko cushions everywhere, rattan planters, bins, trays… you name it. I buy very little brand new – I prefer to give something old a new life. For furniture, I like Golborne Road, west London, or The Old Cinema in Chiswick. One of my favourite pieces is an old kilim rug from Afghanistan. Ceraudo is great for one-off accessories, and I love Miranda Berrow for ceramics.’