We are excited to introduce our exclusive collection of Bilum bags with Among Equals. We asked founder, Caroline Sherman, about her not-for-profit brand and how it strives to change the lives of women for the better...
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BACKGROUND?
I began my career as a textile designer and have always had a passion for pattern and colour. When I first saw the Bilum bags hanging in a trade-funded marketplace in 2015 I was blown away by the beauty and tradition. It was there that I met Florence [Jaukae Kamel, a community elder from Papua New Guinea] and felt an instant connection. Soon after I traveled to PNG and had the privilege of founding our not-for-profit brand with Flo’s guidance. We now work with 2,500 weavers and counting.
Among Equals is a not-for-profit dedicated to making change by empowering communities of artisan weavers in Papua New Guinea. The mission has always been to directly and positively impact the lives of the women, which in turn provides them with independence and income for school fees and living expenses.
WHAT IS A BILUM? WHAT IS IT MADE FROM AND USED FOR?
Bilum bags are exceptional works of art, their intricate designs capture the weavers’ spiritual and cultural heritage through extraordinary colour palettes and meaningful patterns. The bags are handcrafted using intricate weaving techniques, a tradition that has been passed down from mother to daughter. The women work with bush yarns – natural fibres that are sourced from surrounding vegetation – as well as yarns that have been beautifully upcycled from knitwear.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WEAVE EACH BAG?
This is the very definition of slow fashion – first, the women spin the fibres turning them into fine yarns, the weaving then involves twisting and looping in rhythmic movements, which is mesmerising to watch. Due to the intricacy of the weaver’s pattern a Bilum can take around six to eight weeks to craft.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE SYNERGY BETWEEN BOTEH AND AMONG EQUALS?
I love that Amelia is equally passionate about colour and design – whenever I show her a new collection by the weavers she is just as excited as I am. I also love that Amelia has a mindful approach when it comes to fashion, her resort palette is always inspiring. The Boteh collections evoke a sense of freedom and wanderlust.
WE ARE LOVERS OF COLOUR AND PATTERN, WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE BEHIND THE DIFFERENT PATTERNS OF THE BILUM?
TELL US ABOUT THE BLUE HAUS AND OTHER PROJECTS AMONG EQUALS HAS WORKED ON?
In 2017 we built the Blue Haus in Goroka, a safe harbour for the women to come together, and it has running water and electricity. Recently, the weavers asked us to implement a training program in order to engage more communities. This ensures the tradition continues to be passed down to future generations.
WHAT DIFFERENCE CAN BUYING A BILUM MAKE?
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WANTING TO START A NOT-FOR-PROFIT?