The MÄVINN collection from home goods staple IKEA focuses on promoting traditional handcraft from all over the globe, uplifting these crafting communities and increasing economic mobility. All pieces in the collection are completely handmade, and feature partnerships with social change groups across Asia. The MÄVINN collection gets its name from a dialect in Småland, Sweden, where IKEA was founded, meaning “having the wind at your back.” This is a symbol of forward momentum for the collaboration, as IKEA has more than 10 years of experience working on similar projects. Each piece in the collection is distinct, yet has handmade pops of color – all of them providing better livelihoods for people that need it. MÄVINN will include a wide array of products, including baskets, bags, rugs, cushion covers, bedspreads, bathrobes, plant pot hangers, throws, and pouches.
Since 2012, IKEA has been committed to establishing and maintaining partnerships with social businesses. The MÄVINN collection, originally released in 2023, is launching its second edition this year. Available in September 2024, this collection places its focus on handwoven elements that can make products at higher volumes, providing more economic benefits for the artisans themselves. It will be launched in two stages, with the second half of the collection launching in December. Working with businesses in Bangladesh, India, and Jordan, these handwoven, braided, or embroidered elements help preserve traditional crafting techniques.
All products are made from natural materials, be it cotton or jute, that’s sourced from where the social enterprises operate. A portion of the material is also reclaimed as a waste product from the fashion industry, and so can be recycled into new items. Bright colors dot the collection, with some more muted colors thrown in for a vibrant yet tasteful mix.
“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”, says Maria Vinka, freelance designer at IKEA of Sweden. Indeed, this is what IKEA is best at. The global reach they have really does make this kind of product accessible to people that appreciate design, who might want something more affordable.
By working with groups from Bangladesh (Classical Handmade Products), India (Ramesh Flowers, Rangsutra, SPUN), and Jordan (Jordan River Foundation), IKEA can promote handmade goods while also uplifting communities. For example, SPUN is making strides in the textile sector, winning Private Brands Supplier of the Year and Top 50 Best Companies to work for in the past year. Employing women in rural communities of Bhuj, increases income and upward mobility for not just the artisans themselves, but their families and community as well.
IKEA is a powerhouse in the furniture industry, reimagining the way we interact with furniture for over 80 years. Starting as a mail order furniture business, IKEA has grown to become the largest global home furnishing brand in the world. Focused on the tenets of affordability, sustainability, and durability, they continue to strive for new heights in materiality and production. “Most things still remain to be done. A glorious future!” says Ingvar Kamprad, Founder of IKEA.
For more on the MÄVINN collection, which launches in IKEA stores worldwide and online in September and December of this year, and the communities that are uplifted by this project, visit IKEA.com.
