Himane Can Stop The Rain...

O.K. O.K., Himane may not be able to stop the rain but their signature tote bags the"BKekoBrella" (19"X18") are made out of recyclable umbrellas, fully lined and are either Embroidered or painted. Besides the busted-up umbrellas Himane recycles old clothes like shirts, jackets, jeans to create a line of beautiful, unique and memorable handbags, vintage inspired dresses and jackets creating earth conscious clothing and accessories.
I really dig the ecosations (Green conversations) I have with creative people that use their talents for good and here is another one I had with Brooklyn, NY based Catherine E. Charlot Designer/Owner of Himane. Catherine emigrated to the US when she was 28 years old and undertook studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology to complement her degree from Haiti's Verona Alta Costura School of Fashion and Accessories Design.

picture 1: Catherine doing a fitting in her Brooklyn studio with plus size Ford Model Leah.

picture 2 and 3: RCT-U1EP "BKekoBrella" Signature Totes (19"X18") Can be rolled like an umbrella as in picture #1 with the same old recyclable Velcro attachment. Hang it by the door and just grab it in your way out to the grocery store to carry your goods. Very light, convenient, easy to clean and of course water proof.


Eco Hustler: What inspired you to launch Himane and how did you arrive at designing handbags, dresses and jackets out of castaways ie; busted up umbrellas, old clothes like shirts, jackets and jeans?

Catherine Charlot: Three years ago my favorite umbrellas broke and for some reason I held on to it even after I had purchased two more to replace it. One day, I was out and had some books with me when it suddenly started to rain and my books got wet which made me super mad. Two days later while cleaning, I came across my broken umbrella in the closet and right there I made a decision to make a bag out of it just to avoid, for now on, having my belongings get wet on a rainy day. This is how and why I start making bags using recyclable umbrellas.
As for using old clothes by given them a new life: it started for my love of an old shirt my older brother had. The collar had an hole in it and a few buttons were missing he was going to put it in the trash can when I told him to give it to me so that I can do something with it. Years ago one of my male friend wanted to discard some old clothes (jeans, shirts, overalls) and asked me if I wanted to help him clean his closet. After collecting all those pieces I examined them and decided to turn them into dresses, jackets and vests.

Eco Hustler: Do you feel limited in anyway by producing Himane using recycled goods?

Catherine Charlot: Yes I do feel limited when using recycle materials; mostly the umbrellas. But now I can say, thanks to the freecycle group that I belong to, I can get a few items here and there from the members who are getting rid of old things.

EH: Is a retail shop in Himane's future or do you want to concentrate on getting into more stores via wholesale?
CC: I would like to say yes but it will take a little time but getting my recyclable items in different store is my main focus and objective right now.

EH: What can the older established non- eco brands learn from the Ecoitas as we toward a Greener tomorrow?
CC: We need to recycle. By doing so we will be helping our environment to get better and, above all, hope to change the mindset of the planet's inhabitants.

EH: What advice do you have to offer a non-green person?
CC: Buy recyclable products whenever possible; do well for you and for all of us.

picture 4 and 5: Dresses are made from recyclable men shirts hey Summer is right around the corner and definitely you need to look sexy. What a better way to look cool and chic this summer with your husband, brother or dad old shirts that have been sitting in the closet for decade.If they don't want them, we can give them a second chance, a better new life.

picture 6: Jacket are made from, recyclable umbrellas and pieces of denim materials.
Photo credits for pictures 4,5,6: Photographer: Omar Ortiz Model: Marina Shtennikova
Himane's Website