Colombian imprint Fango introduces the Ibuju collection of furniture that is made with the art of storytelling from yaré fibers to bring attention to the deforestation issues in the Amazon. The project is led by the brand's creative director Francisco Jaramillo and inspired by his home in Colombia. The capsule was created to explore the connection between local artisans and their environment.
It is comprised of a table, stool, and bench -- all of which are made from the fiber dubbed yaré, a root that grows along the trunks of trees in the Amazon and is harvested by local communities.
Jaramillo shares the design process with Dezeen and how traditional wooden furniture is reimagined without having to cut down a tree. "This is where I try to reference a piece of furniture that could have been constructed from wood, but is now made from a regenerative fibre that solely depends on the tree that could have been felled. The excessive demand for wood leads to logging and consequently, the possible disappearance of other species. [Yaré] is adversely affected by deforestation in the jungle and its disappearance implies a social and economic loss for these communities."
Indigenous Amazonian-Inspired Furniture
Fango Designs the Ibuju Collection of Furniture
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable-material Furniture - Designs leveraging regenerative fibers like yaré highlight the shift towards materials that minimize environmental impact while maintaining traditional aesthetics.
2. Cultural Storytelling in Design - Incorporating indigenous narratives and craftsmanship into modern furniture pieces creates a rich tapestry that resonates with eco-conscious consumers.
3. Deforestation Awareness Products - Products that use materials affected by deforestation issues can serve as tangible reminders of environmental activism and promote sustainable consumption habits.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Manufacturing - Innovations in material sourcing like the use of yaré fiber redefine sustainable practices in the furniture industry.
2. Eco-friendly Products - The creation of environmentally responsible furniture from renewable resources opens new markets focused on sustainability and eco-conscious consumers.
3. Artisan Craftsmanship - Emphasizing collaboration with local artisans preserves cultural heritage and supports community-based economies through sustainable design.