Choo Yilin

Choo Yilin

Choo Yilin Artisan Jewellery is a fine example of a company which has set out to first and fore-mostly nature the craftsmen which make it’s pieces. Choo Yilin works with the hill tribe artisans in northern Thailand and by doing so, the label helps sustain a centuries-old culture which would otherwise be in danger of dying out. The effects of modernity see many young tribesmen leave their villages for the cities to seek employment. The renewed demand for their hand-forged silver provides the tribesmen with a form of employment that allows them the choice to continue with their traditional way of life.
The label has since expanded its sustainability outreach to using eco-friendly, reclaimed precious metals, and sustainably sourced gemstones that include the avoidance of conflict free diamonds. In addition, it helps support and raise awareness of traditionally marginalised groups like the hill tribe people and the environmental destruction caused by the use of certain types of material like coral.
The label is also about making jewellery the old artisanal way, where almost everything was hand forged and crafted, and took days and weeks to make, instead of minutes or hours. It is about paying homage to traditional methods in the modern world of the mass market.
It is about applauding life in all its imperfect beauty. For that reason, the label’s designs are always organic and asymmetrical, with a preference of included gemstones and textured metals; a far cry of the high-polish and symmetry that has dictated high-end jewellery for so long.


Katie Gannon
info@ecofriendly-fashion.com

After running an ethical fashion label for 5 years, I started this blog in 2007 after learning first hand about the importance of sustainability in fashion design. I am a passionate environmentalist and wish to promote individuals and organisations around the world working on innovative design. I have a BA in Communications / Media as well as a Cert IV in Clothing Production, and run my own graphic design company at www.katiegannon.com

1 Comment
  • Anonymous
    Posted at 16:14h, 08 February Reply

    Setzen, sechs!

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