New eco-chic bags are made of water lily leather

When you say leather, quality comes to mind. Also, animals. But one social enterprise has come up with a leather product that won’t get complaints from animal activists. Water hyacinth leather is the main material used in the handmade bags by Jacinto&Lirio, the flagship brand of EcoIngenuity Inc.

Since 2009, the company has been showcasing their innovation in the form of fashionable bags made from water hyacinth, the pest plant commonly called water lily. It is known as the most damaging aquatic plant worldwide, with its capability to reproduce at an extraordinary rate. The pesky plant grows in mats up to two meters wide and clogs up waterways, reducing light and oxygen, changing water chemistry and affecting local flora and fauna. Filipino innovators introduced water hyacinth leather made from the plant's stalks. The Department of Trade and Industry has encouraged the commercial exploitation of the pest plant in handicraft production, especially woven placemats. Inspired by the government support, Jacinto&Lirio partnered with Cora Cares Foundation and San Fernando Pampanga Community Association. Their social enterprise aims to raise the competitiveness of indigenous materials and help empower the water hyacinth community partners, many of whom are still struggling to sustain the industry. "By being partners in the production process, our community suppliers join us in creating eco-fashion innovations, unique to the Filipino identity," according to a company statement. Jacinto&Lirio gets support from the DTI and the Gawad Kalinga Center for Social Innovation. The company won the Grand Award in the 2009 Business in Development Challenge. Social Socialite This month, the company is launching its latest collection Unica which incorporates other indigenous materials like hand-carved wooden accents, shell base, and glass charms with the water hyacinth leather to create unique bags. Jacinto&Lirio says the Unica collection is geared toward the modern career woman. "Despite the glamor that seems to surround her, she is actually proactive in making a difference in her own way," according to the press kit from the company. Unica's covergirl Clarisse Simmoneu represents the "Social Socialite," whose lifestyle is actively immersed in empowering society. A French model, Clarisse decided to come to the Philippines for an internship in social design. “I came to the Philippines because there is more urgent need here than in Europe to answer," she says. Since she was young, Clarisse has been making her own clothes and bags, but her interest in social work grew with her observation that fashion now is more related to luxury. “I did not agree with that. But when I discovered the brand [Jacinto&Lirio], I said ‘wow, they’re doing it with social and fair trade attitude," says Clarisse. “What I like also is that they use natural materials." Unlike many ethical bags that tend to be have a rough texture and “hippie styles," Clarisse says Jacinto&Lirio bags are simple and strong yet elegant, "I think women should think more about what they carry. Where does every product I wear come from? Or is it fair or not, if it has a message or not? I think it’s very important to know that," she says. Jacinto&Lirio will be featuring the Unica collection with other "Social Socialites" on its website. They include supermodel and Philippine Fashion Week host Sara Meier, heiress and fashion guru Divine Lee, equestrian Mikee Cojuangco, Ford Supermodel of the World 2011 Danica Magpantay, and designer Hindy Weber-Tantoco. “We want to create awareness for more women to show one’s personal style while making a statement that makes a positive impact in society," says a company statement. – CARMELA G. LAPEÑA/YA, GMA News