Malia Designs is an online handbag and accessories business for a fantastic cause and is owned by Lia Valerio and Lucia Ruth. Valerio saw firsthand the perils of human trafficking while traveling through Southeast Asia, and felt there is a need for women to have a source of income there so they are less vulnerable to this problem. Both are committed to bridging the developing world with Western consumers through running this business. This allows these at-risk women the ability to earn a living, making them less susceptible to the human trafficking trade. In addition to helping these women, Malia designs is bringing awareness to customers about the plight of these women. Hopefully, this will help combat this problem internationally.
Each one of their handbags and totes are made to “carry a cause.” The Malia line is composed of handbags, wallets, shoulder bags, messenger bags, diaper bags, lunch bags, and more. One item, in particular, is a white cement tote bag made from recycled cement bags. It is rather stylish, with a white elephant on the front. They also produce a set of recycled cosmetics bags, which are made from Vietnamese rice bags. They are unique and would make a perfect gift.
The “Khmer Collection” has screen-printed wallets and bags on up-cycled cotton, and each one is inspired by Cambodian nature. The “Signature Collection” is perfect for the fashion-minded individual, with fun screen-printed designs on cotton. One collection is screen-printed on hand-woven silk.
This is a must for fashionistas, and is perfect for day or evening. Each piece from Malia Designs is one of a kind. Additional accessories include aprons, belts, and earrings. The earrings they carry are colorful and are made with recycled raw silk material.
You may ask what is the difference between recycling and up-cycling? Recycling is reusing or refurbishing a product and up cycling is taking a waste material and turning it into a better quality product.
Malia Designs helps fight human trafficking by endearing economic sustainability for these at-risk women, which also helps break the cycle of abuse. Each one of the artisans has their own special skills, such as screen printing, sewing, dying and loom work. All Malia Design products are handmade in Cambodia, using only fair trade practices. Malia Designs are members of the fair trade federation, Chicago Fair Trade, and Green America. As a consumer, if you buy products that say “fair trade,” then you are supporting products that value people and the planet. To take a peek at these fun items, visit www.maliadesigns.com.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, Feb. 19, Wedding Party Bridal Show at the US Grant Hotel San Diego at 326 Broadway. There will be four fashion shows from 12 to 5 p.m. including Michelle Hebert at 1:30 p.m. in the Lobby and M Bride Multi Designer in the presidential ballroom at 3 p.m. For more information, www.sandiegoweddingparty.com.
Saturday, March 11 luncheon and fashion show fundraiser to benefit Soroptimist International of San Diego. Gretchen Productions at the Sheraton Harbor Island East Tower will present this event, “Women Stronger Together.” For more information, call 858-569-6260.
