What do you think ‘kai baan’ [domestic fowl] looks like in 2022? Perhaps something close to the cute and adorable creature featured in BWILD ISAN’s Kai Bann Bag Collection? EQ get in touch with the woman behind the brand to find out where it all started for her and where the inspiration for the iconic collection came from.
Creating BWILD ISAN
Through BWILD ISAN, founder Kanchana “Chompu” Shnatepaporn hopes to reflect stories and local wisdom from the Isan region, bringing arts and crafts of the local artisans to the wider audience.
“It began in 2019 when I had this idea for a brand that would create more value and set everyone free from price competition. I spent some time trying to find the right balance in the way I created the brand and conducted the business. We decided to bring on board young designers and local artisans who share the same belief and visions.”
“Everyone told me to not go forward with the brand. Nobody really agreed with what I was doing”
With unwavering faith in her brand and what it represents, Kanchana chose to keep working toward her goal so that she could continue to provide support to people in her community despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past two years, she has done her best to keep the brand afloat while ensuring the livelihoods of her team members remain intact.
The hard work, however, finally paid off, especially with the extremely viral ‘Kai Ban’ bags which have been doing the rounds on the internet.
“Our team worked really hard for two full years before the Kai Ban collection became what it is today. I feel really happy that it’s getting a lot of exposure and that people have started to pay attention to our brand.”
Kai Baan Collection
From an everyday scene in Isan came an inspiration for BWILD ISAN’s SS2022 handbag collection featuring the design of “kai baan” (domestic fowl), an iconic animal synonymous with Isan livelihood. The bags, made of real and microfiber leather, are available in five distinct colors – red, green, yellow, navy, and black. Not only are they a statement-making piece, they also reflect the pride of the people in the northeastern region.
By incorporating elements of Isan culture into its designs, BWILD ISAN have successfully championed the local wisdom and showcased the skills and expertise of local artisans within the community. It’s no wonder why Kai Baan handbags are the brand’s number one pride and joy.
The brand is also committed to sustainable fashion which means that each and every product is made on a small scale without heavy machinery involved. Unlike fast fashion, the customers will have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the story behind each product before they decide to purchase it.
Isan, our home
BWILD ISAN consists of nine team members – all of which are a Isan native who’s knowledgeable about the geography and wisdom of their hometown. Together, they aim to promote the beauty of the region through the lens of the new generation, fostering a newfound sense of pride in the process.
Kanchana further adds that it’s not just about fulfilling the brand’s goals. She’s fully supportive of her team members’ hopes and dreams. Keng, the brand’s creative and graphic designer, also follows his dreams of working as a architect and farmer in Kalasin.
“Every step of [the brand’s] growth has been made possible with our partnership with local tailors, weavers, sewists, handbag and shoe makers. Thanks to them, my business has survived and they, too, have survived. You can’t possibly have a sustainable business if you go into it without thinking of other people or society at large. On the other hand, if your business is conducted with people and society in mind, your brand will be loved and valued by the consumer.”
Still want more? Follow BWILD ISAN on Facebook and Instagram
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