With each a beautiful and unique story behind their pieces
It’s the beginning of November and as we approach the festive season, I’m shifting the focus to gift-giving that truly matters – items that tell a story, celebrate craftsmanship, and bring lasting joy.
This is STUDIO MIQUE's vision: brands that weave stories into their creations offer a profound antidote to overconsumption by revealing the human spirit behind every piece. When we recognize that every item we own is crafted by hands pouring in love, skill, and hours of dedication, our appreciation deepens. We begin to honor the invisible threads of labor and passion that shape each piece, fostering a more mindful, emotional connection to the belongings we allow into our lives. Through this shift, we move from simply owning to cherishing, embracing a more intentional way of living.
In this edition, I’m thrilled to present the journeys of three remarkable designers whose work resonated deeply with me through their meaningful creations and stories. Each of them crafts more than just beautiful pieces – they collaborate with artisans to uplift communities, honour culture and nature, and embrace the art of slow fashion. Their work is an embodiment of intentional design, reminding us that every item we choose carries a story and purpose. Together, they offer a powerful antidote to overconsumption, preserving culture, heritage, and the spirit of creation.
The first label, or rather collective as the name suggests, I’d like to highlight is The Colombia Collective, founded by Kate in 2019. While living in Colombia, Kate discovered Colombia’s remarkable craftsmanship and began visiting local artisans. The Colombia Collective believes every home tells a story, striving to bring yours to life by collaborating directly with artisan and indigenous communities. The aim to foster sustainable economic growth while preserving diverse ancestral craft cultures and techniques for future generations. This approach results in beautifully hand-crafted designs that embody both soul and style. This vision completely resonates with me personally and is therefore so beautiful to highlight.
‘’Your hands tell the story. When I’m alone, with my hands I am working, and with my mind I am forming something different. Craftmanship has to be done with a lot of love, and with a lot of patience, a lot of dedication. For me, each little piece is not simply a piece, it’s a work of art. For me, they are works of art that emerge from within me. And it means a huge amount to me.’’ – As said by one of The Colombia Collective's Artisans in the video
Kate started working with the first artisan in a tiny village called Usiacurí (the place where the Sandra women placements are crafted, see photo) and now collaborates with over 800 (!!) artisans from over 30 different communities. Each with its own unique culture and identity. The name "The Colombia Collective" reflects their commitment to working collaboratively and shining a light on Colombia’s rich crafting heritage, celebrating the artistry that makes the country truly remarkable. An absolute inspiration, if you ask me.
The second label so worth mentioning here is Maison Nanou. I first stumbled upon Maison Nanou through the captivating world of Johanna Van Parijs, a visionary interior designer and mixed-media artist living in Costa Rica, whose inspiring story I discovered in Vogue Living. Soon after, I was mesmerized by the stunning designs of Maison Nanou showcased in Johanna's home, leading me to connect with its founder, Sophie. Sophie’s website beautifully captures her essence as a dreamer who cherishes travel, values her freedom, and delights in laughter. She is communicative, sensitive, helpful, and creative, with a profound passion for textiles. I’ve witnessed these qualities firsthand since we connected, and I am truly grateful for the bond we share.
After earning her Master’s in Interior Architecture and spending two years in Barcelona, along with an internship in Paris, she returned to Belgium. Soon her creative spirit began to seek new avenues of expression. It was Paris, where she developed a passion for textiles. And it was during the pandemic that she began to draw and dream of creating bathrobes, toiletry bags, and plaids, embarking on her artistic journey with the support of close friends and family. The illustrations on her textiles are crafted in Barcelona, printed in Europe, and finished in Belgium, where all items are made by a sheltered workshop, ensuring care and community support. This small-scale project emphasizes slow fashion, adding a beautiful significance to the already stunning pieces. Together, these elements reflect her dedication to artistry and meaningful craftsmanship.
Personally, I think it came full circle for me with the brand’s imagery shot on Costa Rica in the home of Johanna Van Parijs. I recognized the wildlife of Costa Rica in the ‘’monogram’’ of birds, embroidered in Maison Nanou’s designs.
To conclude my ode to this label which breaths so much love and dedication, I love the story behind the brands name: it’s the nickname for both her mother and Sophie, as it means ''coming home''.
The third label I find truly beautiful, both in its designs and its deeper meaning, is HANDEP. Established in 2019, HANDEP is a social enterprise and craft-based brand that works with indigenous communities to create a sustainable village economy. The name HANDEP is borrowed from the Dayak Ngaju dialect, which as a whole means ‘’the spirit of working together and helping each other as a family or community’’. The label is founded by Randi Julian Miranda, who is a proud Dayak, born and raised in Kalimantan.
Central Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) is facing severe deforestation due to rapid globalization and the expansion of extractive industries, which has displaces indigenous communities from their ancestral lands and led to ongoing structural poverty for the Dayak people. Randi supports his community while preserving their culture for a sustainable way of life. HANDEP plays a crucial role by empowering the Dayak people to reconnect with their rich lands and forests, promoting sustainable management of local resources and reviving traditional crafts.
By incorporating materials from local forests and gardens, HANDEP effectively merges economic development with cultural preservation while fostering meaningful connections between makers and customers. Their commitment to knowledge-sharing through workshops helps reconnect younger generations with their weaving heritage, promoting ownership and pride in their culture. This holistic approach not only empowers local communities, particularly women, but also underscores the importance of preserving the stories and legacies behind each handcrafted piece. Personally, I am very much impressed by all facets of the label Randi founded which makes it so truly unique and valuable in many ways.
There’s a special depth to this edition that feels close to my heart: each of the three brands I’ve highlighted – one from Colombia, one from Belgium, and one from Indonesia – connects us to different corners of the world. Choosing these brands was intentional, as they offer a way to bridge cultures through stories and skilled craftsmanship. There’s incredible beauty in these shared traditions, stories that deserve to be celebrated and preserved. Choosing a thoughtful gift not only brings joy to the recipient but also honours and supports the artisans who crafted it, offering them both a voice and a livelihood.
If you’ve loved what you just read, I’d be thrilled to hear about any designers, makers, or collectives you admire, like The Colombia Collective, Maison Nanou, or HANDEP. Share them with me in person or in the comments below, and I’ll happily share them back with you.
With love, warmth and inspiration,
Miek
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