Sarah-Jane Clarke, co-founder of Sass & Bide, has debuted a bag collection in collaboration with social enterprise brand Among Equals.
The limited-edition line of just 60 Mamari Bilum bags were created in partnership with the Wewak weavers, a collective based along Papua New Guinea’s Sepik River. Wewak weavers are led by longtime collaborator and cultural adviser Lina Singu and her son Edward.
Each bag has been handwoven in nylon, in colourways of both plum and forest green, all themed around a traditional circular Bilum shape. The Mamari bags feature a natural sisal base together with grass flower adornments finished with freshwater pearls.
Among Equals manages a retail shop in Paddington, New South Wales, and sells its products via an online store. The brand was founded by Caroline Sherman, a textile designer and philanthropist.
In 2015, she travelled to Goroka to meet communities of weavers in Papua New Guinea. According to Sherman, she was inspired by their skills and quickly partnered with community elders to build a not-for-profit around the idea of independence and change.
Today, Among Equals counts more than 3,500 women in its circle across eight provinces in Papua New Guinea, with the brand helping generate revenue for the women and their families.
Sherman then funded and built the Among Equals Blue Haus in 2017, a safe hub for Goroka women where they are also trained in weaving.
As part of this new collaboration, Clarke will donate proceeds from the sale of the Mamari Bilum bags to fund the creation of a new Blue Haus for the Wewak weavers.
“Sarah-Jane’s dedication to purposeful design perfectly aligns with the spirit of Among Equals,” Sherman said. “This collaboration is a celebration of community, creativity and connection across cultures, and we are so excited by the possibilities.”
After leaving Sass & Bide with her business partner Heidi Middleton, Clarke has since launched her own eponymous resortwear line. The online store currently sells sarongs, travel charms and necklaces.
Speaking at a launch event at the Among Equals store in Paddington, Clarke said she worked very closely with the Wewak weavers on the range.
“The weavers gave us the colour palette and I chose colours that tied in with by own brand. The little flowers on each bag are made of mungus fibre,” Clarke said.
“You can see and feel the love in these bags, and all the Among Equals bags. And you know that when you purchase one of these bags that you’re helping these women thrive in their communities.”