Haricot Bag - Akamae No.36

The first series of Akamae straw bags was developed by designer Inès Bressand together with master basket makers during a three-month research trip to Ghana in 2014-2015. Thanks to her intimate knowledge of the natural material - known as elephant grass - and artisanal basket weaving techniques, she was able to develop a range of exceptional accessories.

Akamae straw bags come from the Eastern Ghana region and are woven by independent women artisans who are coordinated in a local fair trade craft centre. This organisation allows them to freely combine their basket weaving, farming and household activities. Due to the complexity of their shapes, the Akamae straw bags require special technical skills that ensure a long-term relationship with the basket weavers with whom Inès has been working since the beginning of the project.

In her workshop in Saint-Pierreville (Ardèche, France), managed by Eve Chaumontet, the raw straw bags are moulded and fitted with handles made from vegetable-tanned French leather. The entire production is carried out by qualified craftsmen and with simple tools, in an intercultural and respectful artistic collaboration.

Inès Bressand Studio explores innovative and high quality basketry. Based in Marseille, the designer regularly travels to Ghana to develop new techniques and pursue a unique formal approach. Since 2018, a new edition of straw bags has been designed every year for the spring/summer season. The Akamae line is only available in selected boutiques worldwide.