Craftmanship
MY BOB's Products: History & Craftsmanship
Feather Brooch:
Feathers have historically symbolized status and spirituality across many civilizations.
In ancient Egypt, ostrich feathers adorned the attire of goddesses like Maat and Hathor. In North America, tribal chiefs wore eagle feather headdresses as symbols of their authority and prestige. The 16th century saw feathers become fashionable in European aristocracy, peaking in the 19th century with a massive demand that threatened bird populations. In response to this environmental threat, a new era of ecological responsibility emerged.
MY BOB embraces this ethos, ensuring that feathers used in their brooches are ethically sourced from non-endangered species. They also replicate rare bird feathers using more common ones, such as substituting marabou feathers with goose or turkey feathers, and birds of paradise feathers with rooster feathers.
Collaborating with a German workshop, MY BOB combines traditional craftsmanship with modern environmental consciousness to create unique, colorful, and eco-friendly feather brooches.
Indian Embroidery:
Embroidery, an ancient and refined art, has evolved from its origins in antiquity to contemporary fashion, maintaining its essence of elegance.
MY BOB uses this art form to decorate accessories like hat ribbons and brooches.
By collaborating with Indian embroiderers, who are masters of regional techniques passed down through generations, MY BOB showcases a diverse array of embroidery styles. These include the intricate Kantha from West Bengal, the vibrant Phulkari from Punjab, and the meticulous mirror work of Gujarat's Kutch region.
Among the latest innovations in MY BOB’s creations is the application on leather goods, creating sophisticated and personalized accessories like belts and glasses cases. This innovative approach combines traditional skills with modern design, resulting in high-quality, unique pieces that add elegance and individuality to any outfit.
Panama Hat:
Despite their name, Panama hats are a product of Ecuador, made from finely hand-woven palm straw. Their popularity surged during the construction of the Panama Canal when President Roosevelt wore one on site, linking the hat to this historic period.
MY BOB honors this heritage by working with skilled Ecuadorian artisans who uphold the centuries-old tradition of Panama hat making.
These hats are not only stylish but also practical, providing lightweight, breathable protection from the sun. MY BOB offers a variety of shapes, weaves, and colors, ensuring a perfect match for different styles and needs.
The Panama hats reflect Ecuador's cultural heritage and MY BOB's commitment to quality craftsmanship.
Macramé Art:
Macramé, an ancient art of decorative knotting, has roots that possibly trace back to the Arabic "migramah" (ornamental fringe) or the Turkish "makrama" (napkin or table mat).
MY BOB collaborates with an Italian craftsman, leveraging Italy's rich history with macramé, which saw a renaissance in the 16th century.
The brand's macramé products are meticulously handmade, incorporating beads, shells, and other charms to enhance their aesthetic appeal. Items like the PRONTO telephone holder exemplify the detailed craftsmanship and unique elegance of MY BOB's macramé creations.
The brand's colorful macramé offerings, including bracelets, belts and keyrings, merge traditional techniques with contemporary design, creating vibrant, story-filled accessories.
Raffia's Work:
Raffia, a natural fiber from the leaves of the palm tree, is native to tropical regions like Madagascar.
MY BOB honors the ancestral tradition of raffia weaving by working with local women artisans. This sustainable practice highlights the raw beauty and versatility of raffia, which has become increasingly popular in the fashion world.
MY BOB's raffia products, such as the Colin bag, a flagship model for the spring-summer 2024 collection, showcase the material's potential for creativity and elegance.
These bags are not only stylish but also embody the brand's commitment to sustainable and authentic craftsmanship.
Through its diverse range of crafts, MY BOB integrates traditional techniques with modern sustainability practices, creating distinctive and elegant fashion accessories that honor cultural heritage while promoting environmental responsibility.