IKEA Canada launches handmade collection co-created with social enterprise in Toronto

Ikea handmade collection co-created with Toronto group shown by GTA weekly Toronto News
IKEA Canada launches handmade collection co-created with social enterprise in Toronto (CNW Group/IKEA Canada)

Today IKEA Canada and Setsuné Indigenous Fashion Incubator, a Toronto-based social enterprise, have announced a partnership to co-create a handmade limited edition collection called ÅTERSTÄLLA. The collection is made entirely from salvaged IKEA textiles that have been upcycled into beautiful, unique pieces that will be available exclusively in-store at IKEA Etobicoke beginning June 8th, 2017.

“IKEA believes in the power of business to effect positive change for people and the planet,” said Brendan Seale, Sustainability Manager, IKEA Canada. “Partnering with a social enterprise like Setsuné has allowed us to simultaneously empower the local Indigenous arts community and creatively explore a pathway toward a circular economy.”

In Swedish, ÅTERSTÄLLA means to restore, heal, or redecorate, speaking to the “upcycling” approach – turning something that would otherwise be waste into something of higher value. Working with salvaged IKEA textiles reflects the traditional Indigenous philosophy to “use everything” and applies it to contemporary living. The collection consists of 2000 handmade pieces of four fabric products: an apron, small bag, basket, and tea towel. The four items together symbolically represent the Indigenous “traditional kitchen” – for transporting, storing and preparing food.

“This is an incredibly exciting collection that celebrates culture and collaboration.” said Sage Paul, Co-founder, Setsuné Indigenous Fashion Incubator. “Through our shared values, partnering with IKEA Canada helps to promote and sustain the voices and visibility of Indigenous women and the work we create. We are hopeful this partnership will grow Setsuné’s influence and make an even larger impact in Canadian arts circles.”

Globally, IKEA has partnered with a variety of social enterprises in order to support their business development, build relationships in our communities, and to introduce fresh ideas and perspectives to our own design and operations. The partnership with Setsuné provided employment for two designers and six artisans throughout production, while also providing the opportunity to learn and develop design, merchandising, and general business skills alongside IKEA.  Through this partnership, IKEA and Setsuné hope to bring greater awareness of the Indigenous arts community in Toronto and across Canada to IKEA’s co-workers and customers.

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