Meet Moniko

In 2008, Clare, a packaging design specialist with a penchant for traditional textiles and clothes, had a ‘geisha makeover’ with a friend in Kyoto. During her first visit to Japan, she became intrigued by the precision and attitude of the Japanese culture to design and presentation.

In the following years she bought a few vintage kimono fabrics, hung them around the spare room at home, walked around in them, and generally, admired them a lot. ​

In 2011, and feeling brave, she decided to cut into one of the beautiful kimonos and introduce it to her sewing machine. The result was not so beautiful, but after a few attempts and after becoming re-acquainted with the art of sewing, results began to blossom, like the first ‘sakura’ cherry blossom of Spring.

Since the initial experiments, Clare spent many hours at her trusty old sewing machine (which has now been upgraded to a newer model) to meet the demand for bags. ​

From 2012 she has worked with development groups and social projects in SE Asia, where she lives, to build production capacity that can grow the business while supporting groups with particular social and physical difficulties.

While Moniko honours the creations and artisans of yesterday, one key objective for Moniko is looking forward and helping to create a better present for as many people as Moniko can help.

Moniko works with self-help groups and individual artisans in Malaysia and Cambodia. When selecting production partners they look for ways they can benefit and boost families and small communities by giving opportunities to people with disabilities or difficult social situations. These modern-day artisans are paid a good price for their work. Moniko supply all materials and equipment and training where necessary, to ensure our supporters enjoy high-quality products.