MÄVINN by IKEA: Uniting Social Businesses and Traditional Craftsmanship

IKEA, the renowned furniture and home accessories retailer, is set to launch its latest collection, MÄVINN, which pays homage to the artistry of traditional craftsmanship while supporting social businesses. Comprising 20 exquisite handmade items, the collection is a collaborative effort between IKEA and seven social enterprises across Asia, dedicated to creating long-term employment opportunities for individuals in rural areas and vulnerable communities.

Embracing the rich heritage of artisanal techniques, MÄVINN showcases a range of home accessories meticulously crafted by hand. The collection includes an array of captivating items such as baskets, rugs, a lampshade, an apron, bags, cushion covers, and a wall organizer. These products are skillfully fashioned from leftover denim, natural fibers, and handwoven textiles, displaying intricate embroidery and tactile details that add a touch of uniqueness and contrast to each piece. The collection's production, carried out in collaboration with social businesses spanning Asia, not only ensures the creation of stunning items but also contributes to the empowerment of individuals from vulnerable backgrounds.

Paulin Machado, a Designer at IKEA of Sweden, shares insights into the inspiration behind the MÄVINN collection: "Our initial idea was to emphasize craftsmanship and bring the person who made the product to the forefront. This led us to think about the experience of visiting a local craft market: the interesting objects you might find there and the people selling their crafts. Every item in MÄVINN possesses a distinctive look and rustic feel, reminiscent of a handpicked treasure, blending colorful splashes with natural materials through embroidery and woven designs that exude their own unique charm."

Sustainability and durability lie at the core of the MÄVINN collection. The materials used in these extraordinary creations range from cotton to surplus denim from production lines and eco-friendly natural fibers, such as paper made from mulberry tree bark, banana fiber, and jute. Most of these materials are sourced locally in countries such as Bangladesh, India, Thailand, and Vietnam, where the social businesses are situated. The selection of natural fibers not only ensures durability and renewability but also offers significant job opportunities in both sourcing and production. By combining various materials and production techniques that leverage the skills and expertise of the seven social business partners involved, the MÄVINN collection delivers a diverse range of products while simultaneously empowering talented weavers and craftspeople within their local communities.

Since 2012, IKEA has been actively collaborating with social businesses to create sustainable job opportunities and improve livelihoods for individuals in rural areas and vulnerable groups. Today, this initiative has expanded to include over 11 social businesses worldwide, with a primary focus on developing globally marketable products that can be produced on a larger scale, thereby generating more job opportunities. MÄVINN represents IKEA's second global social entrepreneurship collection and marks the first in a series of annual releases under this name. The term "MÄVINN" originates from the dialect spoken in Småland, the birthplace of IKEA, and symbolizes the idea of having the wind at one's back.

Maria Vinka, a freelance designer at IKEA of Sweden, shares her enthusiasm for the project: "As a designer, it has been a joy to work closely with local artisans, infusing their skill and creativity into every piece. Not only does it celebrate traditional craftsmanship, but it also creates meaningful job opportunities for those in need. With MÄVINN, we can support artisans and their communities while making handcrafted items accessible to people all over the world."

The MÄVINN collection will be available globally starting in June 2023. For more information, customers are encouraged to reach out to their local IKEA market and discover the remarkable artistry and meaningful stories behind each MÄVINN piece.

With its global release scheduled for June 2023, the MÄVINN collection will be easily accessible to customers worldwide, allowing them to bring the charm and authenticity of artisanal craftsmanship into their homes. IKEA invites individuals to explore their local IKEA markets for further details and to embark on a journey that celebrates traditional techniques, supports social businesses, and brings the beauty of handmade items to homes across the globe.

MÄVINN represents more than just a collection; it symbolizes IKEA's commitment to making a positive impact on communities and the environment. By collaborating with social businesses, IKEA aims to create sustainable livelihoods, empower artisans, and contribute to the preservation of traditional craftsmanship. With MÄVINN, customers can not only adorn their living spaces with unique and beautifully crafted accessories but also contribute to a better future for communities in need.

As the MÄVINN collection prepares to make its grand entrance onto the global stage, IKEA invites everyone to discover the stories woven into each handcrafted item and to join the movement of celebrating traditional craftsmanship while supporting social businesses. Prepare to embrace the wind at your back with MÄVINN and experience the artistry and soulful craftsmanship behind each exquisite piece. Read more about the development of MÄVINN.