Matthew Console

Raffia, made from raffia palm trees native to Madagascar and other tropical regions, is harvested by cutting the leaves from the raffia palm trees and then drying them in the sun. Once dry, the leaves are split and the fibers are stripped and sorted based on color, texture, and length. Raffia can vary depending on the amount of sun, humidity, rain, etc. in a season, so some slight differences in color and texture are expected from piece to piece. It can also yellow over time when exposed to excessive moisture, a delicate nod to the beauty of raffia’s evolution as it ages. Additionally, keep in mind that the painted finish can range in appearance depending on how porous and textured the raffia is, adding a dash of personality to each piece’s final look. Full-grain leather is sourced from the top cut of the hide, making it a very durable material that will develop a patina over time. Given that this material is sourced from real animals, it often features wrinkles, scarring, and even slight color variation that’s unique to that specific animal, adding a touch of personalization to each piece.