Know-how and craftsmanship
All Taillée bags are handmade in Madagascar, an island full of secrets and treasures. Raffia weaving is a Malagasy technique that has conquered the hearts of many and seen its popularity rise in the Western world.
Madagascar is an island full of diverse know-hows and great resources, at the same time historical, cultural and natural. The Malagasy people’s unique and exceptional know-how is the reason why Taillée has chosen to work with local artisans, both men and women, allowing the know-how to be perpetuated and their cultural heritage to be shared with the world.
Raffia comes from the Raphia Farinifera palm tree, which is a monocarpic tree. "Monocarpic" means that the tree dies after fruiting but the roots remain alive. Raffia is therefore a completely sustainable (biodegradable) and soft material that is environmental friendly. It is also a very strong vegetable textile fiber. It is obtained after the harvest, during which only the young shoots of the palm leaves are selected. Once the branch is cut, the leaf is separated in two and scraped. The fibers are then extracted and washed with cold water. They are then tied in batches and dried out in the sun to obtain the raffia thread.
All of our bags are then handwoven by our craftsmen, using special wooden machines and age-old techniques that do not require electricity. The sewing machine is only used for the insertion of the zipper. Raffia weaving is a long and difficult activity that requires meticulousness, passion and above all, patience.
The three stones (Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Carnelian) are also all polished by hand, by an agile and passionate craftsman. This same craftsman will then weave them into the bag. The finishing touches, such as embroidery, are also done by hand.
Through all these steps, we can see how the Taillée bags are a real representation and highlight of the Malagasy know-how.