Philosophy
Maiyet is a New York-based ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, accessories and jewelry label for women that fuses a luxury sensibility with ethical credentials and social consciousness.
Co-founded in 2011 by Paul van Zyl, a human rights lawyer, Daniel Lubetzky, an entrepreneur, and Kristy Caylor, a former head of merchandising for Gap Accessories and Product RED, Maiyet sources highly specialised and refined craftwork from artisans in off-the-beaten path places around the world, from Nairobi, Kenya and Ahmedabad, India, to the mountains of Peru to promote entrepreneurship, dignity, self-sufficiency and job creation among artisan groups in developing economies.
The result is a modern, bold combination of high-end polish and exotic craftsmanship that explores the creative tension between the past and the present by incorporating old traditions in untraditional ways.
It is designed for those women who recognize quality and seek something special and rare.
Since its debut at Paris Fashion Week in the Autumn of 2011, the brand’s collections have garnered positive reviews.
Essential to the effort is Maiyet’s partnership with Nest, an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to training and developing artisan businesses.
© Images copyright: Maiyet and rightful owners.