Reviving an African Weaving Method With Stylish Accessories

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We're huge fans of San Francisco brands that are not just amazing to look at, but that also make us proud by making the world a better place. Petel Design fits that bill and then some. The husband and wife team behind the brand, Julie and Ibrahima Wagne, met while serving in the Peace Corps. Ibrahima hails from the Fulani tribe of Mauritania. For generations, Fulani artisans have produced textiles using a unique style of weaving, but over the years it has become a disappearing art.

So the couple created Petel (it means "little spark" in Pulaar, the Fulani language; their adorable daughter Aissata came up with it) to support the artisans and to educate new students of the craft. The textiles are handwoven in Africa, and everything is hand-sewn in California (by Julie and others). All profits go directly back to the Mauritanian weavers.

The couple launched Petel in 2012, and just recently launched their Spring 2014 collection—they're particularly excited about the super-soft lambskin clutches, and we can't get enough of the scarves (which are, alas, sold out until a new shipment comes in a couple weeks). And good news just for Racked readers, get 20% off any online purchase with the code RACKED when you like Racked SF and Petel on Facebook! If you'd like an in-person look at the textiles, head to one of the several Bay Area stores now carrying the brand including Erica Tanov, M.A.C, SF Museum of Craft and Design, Lavish, and Birch).
· Petel [Official Site]
· State Bird Provisions' Nicole Krasinski on Style, Superhero Hair [Racked SF]
· Look for Petel African fabrics at the Urban Air Market [Racked SF]