Made with sustainability in mind, the luxury handcrafted bag inserts cater to Hermès bag owners and collectors who are looking to efficiently organize contents in their bags, beautifully maintain the bag shape, and well protect the bag interior.
Merandi combines the heritage of Thai silk and the local artisans’ craftsmanship, and transforms them into a modern-day luxury product while strongly adhering to key sustainability practices. As an additional helping hand, biodegradable dehumidifier silk sachets are given to every insert ordered. These are made of silk leftovers from the production process.
Clients are encouraged to select a bag insert color that contrasts the color of their Hermès, as a way to express own style in their choice of color play (#MerandiMatch).
We got to know a little more about the brand through an interview with Merandi’s Founders, Kate Socatiyanurak and Grace Tungpanitansook.
What’s the meaning of “Merandi”?
Merandi: “Merandi” is derived from the Latin phrase “modus operandi” which means “a specific way of doing something”. We feel that it represents very well the nature of our product and the values we hold as a brand. Merandi offers niche products – bag inserts for Hermès handbags, to a niche market – owners and collectors of Hermès bags from all corners of the world.
Let us tell you a little more about this because it did take us a few months to come up with the name. We were aiming for something that would rhyme or connect with the word “inserts” since people would be calling our products “[name] inserts”. Then, we thought that the first letter must be symmetric to create a powerful logo that will go on to define other elements in the branding. Also, the name must be easy to pronounce, remember, and not strictly belong to any certain language as we planned to sell worldwide. And so, “Merandi” managed to satisfy all these points and ended up being the name.
What inspired Merandi to start a sustainable fashion brand?
Merandi: As new-generation silk collectors from Southeast Asia, we have witnessed first-hand how silk is made from the beginning to the end. It is an amazingly intricate process that involves the effort of, not only the artisans but remarkably, the silkworms also. Knowing this, we thought that every bit of Merandi silk must not go to waste. This is why small pieces of fabric left from our pattern cutting are transformed into silk sachets. We give these dehumidifier silk sachets to every Merandi bag insert.
Anyhow, when you believe in sustainability, it should not be one-dimensional or for the sake of appearing to be doing it. We strongly believe that running a fashion brand should be done in a circular manner overall. We don’t want to create something people don’t need, make some sales, but also a lot of waste. Yes, a Merandi luxury bag insert is cherished for its functionality, design, and durability, but like any other fashion brand in this world, it requires branding which is not limited to social media visuals but includes the packaging experience as well.
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Thus, to still adhere to the idea of a circular economy, we have incorporated recycled materials into our packaging, and strongly encourage clients to reuse everything from the recycled paper box to the cotton bags given. Actually, soon we will stop giving out cotton bags as we see that customers don’t really use them to store the bag inserts. Instead, they leave the inserts in their bags to maintain the bag shape. So, this is one adjustment to be made and to admit.
Aside from this, of course, all parties involved in a business must be treated and paid fairly and recognized for their skill sets and contribution. We are firm believers that good performance shall never go unrewarded.
All Merandi products are 100% locally sourced and crafted while aligning with the best practices in terms of wages, health, and insurance. For workers, fair trade translates to workers’ rights, safe working conditions, and fair pay. For shoppers, it means high-quality and ethically produced products they can carefreely enjoy.
What’s the mission of Merandi?
Merandi: To make something that is already treasurable even more treasurable. In this case, we add our long-standing heritage of Thai silk to the prestigious Hermès Bags through our Merandi bag inserts. It’s all about showcasing a longstanding heritage through a modern-day luxury lens.
In the process, we make Hermès bag collectors around the world fall in love with their bags all over again through the Merandi experience.
Lastly, what is something you wish people knew about sustainable fashion?
Merandi: Every step and every action counts. It is so easy to overlook the importance of shifting towards sustainability, especially when you don’t believe in collective action. In all honesty, we used to be just like that. We understand how easy it is to think that you won’t make a significant impact with your small actions but one must not forget that if everyone believes this way, it means zero action towards a better chance for our planet.
Collective action is really how you beat and mitigate the environmental issues today. A Merandi bag insert is in itself, a product that promotes sustainability and longevity of usage. As the bag inserts help keep the Hermès bags in their prime condition, the same handbag can be passed on from generation to generation, from current users to new users. The bag’s lifespan is therefore prolonged.
ABOUT COLLECTION II – After Hours
An homage to the speakeasy era and nightlife, MERANDI After Hours comprises five winter-loving muted colors of dust-repellent Thai silk bag inserts: Tequila, Whiskey, Bordeaux, Martini, and Rosé.
Each fabric color comes in a limited series, making all Merandi inserts ‘one of not many.’ Handcrafted to order, the bag inserts feature interior and exterior pockets, a zip pocket, a car key hook, and a bottle/phone holder, depending on the model.
“Match it your way. Keep it your style. Insert it your own.”
Now available on merandiworld.com for all sizes of Birkin, Kelly, and Lindy, with more models coming soon. There is also free worldwide shipping. Follow the official Merandi Instagram
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by Impakter.com columnists are their own, not those of Impakter.com –In the Featured Photo: Merandi. Photo credit: Merandi World.
