I was born in Texas, but moved to Kuala Lumpur when I was two and subsequently spent my teen years in Hong Kong. It was my years in Asia that really formed my design aesthetic. I remember as a child staring at the Hong Kong skyscrapers and the bamboo scaffolding that clung to the buildings. I wondered how something so light could hold somebody hundreds of feet above the ground.
I based my first collection around bamboo, and in 2008 launched a range of eyewear that celebrated the material. To my surprise the collection received rave reviews, was picked up by stores around the globe and was featured in magazines like Vogue, InStyle and Elle.
In that moment KAYU (meaning "wood") was born. In 2010, our collection expanded to a line of bags that again was inspired by nature and featured intricately handcrafted shell and straw.
Our products are stocked in stores worldwide and were a finalist for the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award, won The Earth Award in fashion and was a finalist for the Conde Nast Traveler Innovation & Design Award.
With each collection I strive to keep our core principles of craftsmanship, ecology and ethics in mind. All of our products are handmade and feature natural materials. In addition, we remain committed to bettering our community by donating 2% of each sale towards health care and education in the developing world.
Everything I do is inspired by the people I meet and the places I visit. KAYU was created as an expression of joy and gratefulness - for family, for love, for life, and I'm so happy to share this journey with you.
Peace and Love,
Jamie Lim.
