Karen Walker continues to strengthen its partnership with Fiji’s non-profit organisation.
Rise Beyond the Reef, in a collaboration that seamlessly blends Karen Walker’s chic-meets-utility aesthetic with the traditional craftsmanship of women from remote Fijian communities. Now in its second year, this collaboration highlights the beauty of Fijian artistry while supporting the women behind it.
Founded in 2014, Rise Beyond the Reef creates sustainable work pathways for rural indigenous women and their families. The handmade products not only embody ecological and cultural values but also promote climate-smart agricultural practices. This initiative is focused on empowering Pasifika women, helping them expand their reach in both local and global markets while preserving their rich cultural heritage.
Karen Walker explains: “This collaboration is a unique opportunity to celebrate the craftsmanship of Fijian artisans while bringing their work to a global market. Fiji holds a deep connection for me and my family, and I’m proud to continue working with Rise Beyond the Reef to create something that reflects both the beauty and resilience of its people.”
This season’s collaboration introduces four handwoven bags, each adorned with signature Karen Walker Runaway straps. These designs beautifully merge traditional Fijian craftsmanship with contemporary style, making them perfect for both island life and urban settings.
The Basket Tote, available in small and large sizes, is crafted using 100% natural fibres from Kioa Island. This labour-intensive creation involves harvesting sasa (coconut palm spine), wrapping it with voivoi leaf, and weaving it into the final form. Kioa Island, remote and difficult to access, is home to artisans who work across generations to preserve and promote their traditional skills with the support of Rise Beyond the Reef.
The Pandanus Tote and Backpack are handwoven in Ra Province on Viti Levu’s northern coast, where artisans work collectively from planting the voivoi (pandanus) to weaving each intricate design. The community’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainable craftsmanship shines through in every step of the process.
Once woven, the pieces are sent to Sabeto Valley for leather finishing and assembly, providing valuable job training to local youth. The completed bags are then shipped to New Zealand.
Janet Lotawa, co-founder and director of Rise Beyond the Reef, reflects on the partnership: “Working with Karen Walker has been a powerful collaboration. Together, we’re not only bringing beautiful products to market but also driving real change in rural communities, empowering women, and preserving traditional skills.”
In September, Karen Walker visited Verevere Village in Ra Province, where she witnessed the artisans in action: “I saw how the women gather in the community hall to create these beautiful pieces. It’s projects like these that I love—getting to hang out, share stories, and witness the incredible spirit of collaboration.”
Verevere Village, traditionally a fishing village, now relies on weaving for Rise Beyond the Reef as a primary source of income. The community is currently pooling resources from this income to fund and build a secondary school, ensuring more accessible education for the district.
This spirit of collaboration and empowerment is woven into every piece of the collection, available from Thursday, 24 October 2024, in Karen Walker stores and online at karenwalker.com.
See more by visiting karenwalker.com and @karenwalker.
For more information about Rise Beyond the Reef, visit risebeyondthereef.org.
