We often wish there were more designers exploring accessories design in Sri Lanka and were really excited to stumble upon Rooted Official a couple months ago. Nanna Jørgensen came to Sri Lanka to spend a Semester whilst studying Sustainable Fashion in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Danish design is renowned and a genre in itself. In Sri Lanka we see Scandinavian influences in architecture and art via architects who have had the opportunity to spend time in the region and are influenced by this region's 'sensible' style and design.
Rooted Official showcases just this, Danish design and sensibility with Sri Lankan craft. Nanna's bags are crafted from sustainable and locally sourced materials, such as coir, handloom cotton, reeds and leather waste and they are functional and well designed. We asked Nanna to share more of her journey in design and fashion thus far as we welcome this new product range in store.
Nanna shared with us, for you "My journey in fashion has been quite extensive. I began my career as a hairdresser and makeup artist around the age of 21. I worked for Copenhagen Fashion Week and collaborated with numerous e-commerce brands, including Jaspal and Sand. Despite my successful ventures, my passion for fashion endured. When I couldn’t find the styles I envisioned in stores, I started designing my own clothing. After nearly a decade in the hair and makeup industry, I decided to pursue a degree in Sustainable Fashion."
This was the pivotal step that led her to establish her brand, Rooted Official. Nanna was tired of the working conditions in the fashion industry and a poor quality of products, she wanted to change this. What she had learned in her time in Sri Lanka, was that we had a rich cultural heritage, small communities working with amazing natural materials and Nanna saw potential. The birth of Rooted Official.
"This experience sparked the concept of Rooted Official, where the name ‘Rooted’ holds multifaceted meaning. It signifies being firmly grounded in old craftsmanship traditions, and being deeply connected to natural materials and serves as a reminder to remain true to our authentic selves." Nanna explained.
"Rooted" - It signifies being firmly grounded in old craftsmanship traditions, and being deeply connected to natural materials and serves as a reminder to remain true to our authentic selves.
Nanna wanted to create handbags with materials all sourced in Sri Lanka. She said, "I knew they had longevity. To ensure the quality of the products and a better work environment with fair pay, I decided that we should strive to be a made-to-order concept, where we count days and not hours within the production." This first collection is called Lassana Svabhāvaya which translates to Beautiful Nature in Sinhala. It features classic styles which Nanna begs you to see their versatility, because having more than one use for a single product is just a way to make your wardrobe more sustainable.
Rooted Official launches at PR with 3 styles of bags - a tote bag, an oversized pouch which we like to fold over and wear as an oversized clutch and an upgraded classic reed bag. These feel and look local, but they also feel international. It's often a challenge to design and style with craft to wear well wherever you carry it.
Sometimes you can buy a great kimono or pair of earrings on holiday and then realise when you get home, it just doesn't fit.
Nanna shares "So, with classic styles such as a tote bag, a pouch, and a classic reed bag from Sri Lanka, our first collection has the perfect diversity to fit within most people’s wardrobe and desires. In addition to the classic styles, we produce very small quantities of each colour combination to enhance the uniqueness of the design and craftsmanship. We also strive to use colours that reflect the seasons."
So what are the materials you'll find in Rooted Official bags? You'll find jute, coir, handloom cotton and waste leather.
Nanna shares, "I have chosen these materials because of their strength and longevity. With proper care, your Rooted Official handbags can last for more than 30 years. I use coir as padding for the handbags; it's a 100% natural material and a byproduct from Sri Lanka, reformed within the country. It's a highly sustainable material that offers the same benefits as any other padding used in handbags."
"With proper care, your Rooted Official handbags can last for more than 30 years. I use coir as padding for the handbags; it's a 100% natural material and a byproduct from Sri Lanka, reformed within the country. It's a highly sustainable material that offers the same benefits as any other padding used in handbags."
The jute is dyed using natural colours and hand woven, giving each handbag a unique appearance.
Nanna shares, "When we use natural materials, it imparts a sense of time to the product, which I love. These materials transform the handbags' appearance over time, creating a beautiful storytelling aspect for the product." And we just had to ask Nanna, about how she feels about retailing at PR.
"From the beginning of my journey in Sri Lanka, PR became my favourite store—a place I went to seek inspiration, do my shopping, and conduct research for my Bachelor's Degree in Sustainable Fashion. My goal from the start was to have my products retailed at their store. Now, seeing this dream come true, no matter how cheesy that may sound, assures me that the value of quality over quantity and the appreciation for beautiful craftsmanship are recognized in the way they deserve to be."
"From the beginning of my journey in Sri Lanka, PR became my favourite store—a place I went to seek inspiration, do my shopping, and conduct research for my Bachelor's Degree in Sustainable Fashion. My goal from the start was to have my products retailed at their store. Now, seeing this dream come true, no matter how cheesy that may sound, assures me that the value of quality over quantity and the appreciation for beautiful craftsmanship are recognized in the way they deserve to be."
What inspires Nanna? No surprises here, they are all evident in the products themselves - Danish minimalism, multi-functionality, and the vibrant culture in Sri Lanka.
"I hope Rooted Official can contribute to the understanding and importance of clients demanding quality over quantity. It's a way to show that fashionable products don't always have to be trend-based. Most importantly, I want to showcase that Sri Lanka has a wealth of craftsmanship and materials to offer."
"I hope Rooted Official can contribute to the understanding and importance of clients demanding quality over quantity. It's a way to show that fashionable products don't always have to be trend-based. Most importantly, I want to showcase that Sri Lanka has a wealth of craftsmanship and materials to offer."
It is tricky to ask a designer to pick a favourite piece in a collection, to play favourites, but we had to ask her... and we weren't surprised, because it really was ours too!
Nanna shared, "It must be the oversized pouch. I've used it for parties, the beach, and work. I appreciate being able to adapt a style for multiple purposes."
We loved it too.
We know it was designed as an oversized pouch and to be added into the tote as an extra feature, but we too, love it folded over as a large clutch.
At a time in Sri Lanka where many are running away, it's also warming, especially for those of us who stay behind by choice of people from around the world who come to Sri Lanka for it's positives. So we had to ask Nanna to share what welcomes her here. "When it comes to my work, I love that I am close to my production. That I can go and talk to the community who are helping bring Rooted Official bags to life. It’s a high for me like no other, that I can be part of all steps within my company.
Apart from that, Nanna enjoys the nature and Sri Lankan food and her favourite dishes are Kiri Bath and Mango Curry!
Nanna loves Vesak, "where the city is filled with light and decorative elements every where. I love the tradition of giving away free food and drinks as well. And the other is Avurudu and it's ritual of lighting up the firewood to erupt the coconut milk in the clay pot, which signifies the prosperity of the dawned new year."
Rooted Official is a slow fashion brand specializing in exquisitely handcrafted handbags. A beauty of simplicity, timeless elegance, multifunctional options, and sustainable practices. With a deep passion for creating high-quality accessories from natural materials, Rooted Official strives to redefine the concept of luxury by offering handbags that are visually captivating and ethically produced. Each bag is meticulously handcrafted by our team of skilled artisans, who pour their expertise and love into each piece.
Shop Rooted Official now at PR here