Learning Raffia, the Natural Material for Summer

 

Raffia is the plant obtained from a raffia palm tree, which especially grows in Madagascar, an island of Africa. HELEN KAMINSKI, an Austrarian hat brand is also using raffia from Madagascar. The brand tells us how raffia fits into our summer style.

 

What is raffia?

 

What impressive about raffia is its softness and durability. Its fiber is pilable enough to keep its shape and strong enough to hold heavy stuff. That is why HELEN KAMINSKI uses raffia for their bags and hats. Their products are all hand-crocheted that indicates both characteristics of raffia and high technique of artisans. The secret of its softness is its fiber which contains plentiful moisture. The moisture enables raffia to restore its shape. 

 

 

Newport SB Natural/Midnight / HELEN KAMINSKI

 

Here is the example. The hat of Newport SB gives different impression when its brim is up or down. It also keeps the elegant shape that initially has.

HELEN KAMINSKI extracts these charms of raffia. The brand is founded on the principles of natural beauty, craftsmanship, distinctive style and individuality. Their products symbolizes its mission, and broden our way to make our own style.

 

Raffia for summer

 

Raffia's another charm is its look. Crocheted raffia can be the essence for an elegant summer style.

 

DAVOLIA MINI / HELEN KAMINSKI

 

DAVOLA MINI is a small tote bag with a beautiful combination of leather and raffia. The bag is closely-crocheted so that it can withstand heavy items. The compact size is useful to carry essentials.

 

RAFFIA BAG RHYCE S Natural Tan / HELEN KAMINSKI

 

RHYCE series is for big burden. It is surprising that the bag is made of 20 meteres of braid raffia. Since a cloth is attached inside, you don't have to worry about damaging. The size nicely works as a beach bag or grocery bag.

 

PROVENCE 8 Natural / HELEN KAMINSKI

 

Where HELEN KAMINSKI has found is known for the strong sun's rays. It is necessary for their hats to be ultraviolet coating.

PROVENCE is a hallmark of HELEN KAMINSKI's hat. Hand-crocheted hat suits well to summer fashion. The number of 8 indicates the width of brim; 8cm is the smallest brim in this series and fits into a casual style.

 

Raffia Hat KATE Nougat/Black / HELEN KAMINSKI

 

KATE is the hat with some nostalgic design. The wide plaited braid takes about 2 days to complete. A black herringbone ribbon is wrapped around and pictures the style of  summer chic.

 

How to care a raffia item

 

Raffia is a natural material. Understanding its characteristics and the way of caring helps you use the items for long.

 

Is it waterproof?

 

No, HELEN KAMINSKI's products are not waterproof. Although raffia is relatively strong against water, it can be the cause for stain and deterioration. Try to keep away from water.

If raffia gets wet, place the product to an airy space and dry it out. It is effective to put newspapers or towels inside to keep its shape. 

 

What should I do if it is stained?

 

If the item gets stained, wring a wet towel and clean it up. Do not use detergent.

 

How should I care if it becomes shapeless?

 

If you fold and store the item, it may become shapeless. To restore its shape, put soft towels or newspapers inside. Also, raffia can change its shape when heat is applied. Steaming the item from inside with low temperture by using clothing iron is effective.

 

 

How should I store the item?

 

HELEN KAMINSKI's items have a storing bag. Place your item here when you bring it on a trip. However, it is not appropriate to place an item in a sealed bag when you store it for long term.  Store it in the place where has low moisture and is away from direct sun light. It is effective to put a piece of fabric on it to protect from dust.