Amsterdam-based fashion brand, Scotch & Soda, has announced the launch of 100 limited-edition raffia "Born to Love" bags in collaboration with Studio 189, a fashion lifestyle brand and social enterprise co-founded by actress Rosario Dawson and executive Abrima Erwiah. The Scotch & Soda bag is designed and developed by Studio189 in the product development center in Accra and handcrafted in Bolgatanga by a community of weavers led by ASIGE (Advocacy for Social Inclusion and Girls Education), a non-governmental organization focused on the empowerment of women through work and education. 

Launched as part of the latest Scotch & Soda “Born to Love” capsule collection for summer 2022, the bag celebrates unity and togetherness, as shown by the word, “LOVE,” woven into the design across the front. 

The color palette is inspired by the flowers, plants and herbs of Ghana. Created using traditional basket weaving techniques unique to the upper East area of Bolgatanga, the bags were woven in a horizontal pattern featuring both colorful and neutral stripes giving it an abstract rainbow-like appearance. The bags were made from locally sourced Palmyra leaf fibers, commonly known as raffia, which is naturally dyed using vegetal pigments extracted from hibiscus, millet husk and plant leaves. 

The limited-edition LOVE bag will be available on the Scotch & Soda website and in a selection of the brand's stores. All proceeds from the sale of the bags will be donated to Scotch & Soda's partner, The Hunger Project, to support the organization's initiatives in countries like Ghana. 

"Investing in women and girls is one of the surest ways to reach our sustainable development goals,” says Dorcas Apoore, founder and chief executive officer, ASIGE. “When women are equipped with technical skills, they can rise above the poverty line in Ghana and in Africa as a whole. We are very happy to be working with Scotch & Soda. Since they came into our lives, we've seen the impact on our people. We look forward to a positive development with Studio 189, Scotch & Soda and our community.” 

"Through our collaboration with Scotch & Soda, we have been able to bring to life the ‘Born to Love Bag,’ made in Ghana by women artisans by hand using locally sourced materials, in harmony with the planet,” says Abrima Erwiah, co-founder and president, Studio 189. “We are grateful to Scotch and Soda for entrusting us to translate their vision into reality and to use their platform to help amplify our message. It's about dignity and about working together, honoring everyone's work and contributions and delivering a project that is well-designed, filled with community, joy and heart."