Products in woven vacoa - Ti brin nature

Vacoa leaves hold no secrets for Lauriane, who a few years ago turned to the craft of braiding, transforming them into hats, baskets and bertels. It's a way for this enthusiast to showcase a know-how handed down from generation to generation in Réunion Island. "I'm originally from Saint Philippe, my mom taught me to braid, my aunts still braid today, my grandmothers also braided, so in the end, it's a source of pride that it's staying in the family and keeping that know-how alive [in La Réunion]." (Lauriane Leichnig)

Lauriane uses ancestral techniques, but also infuses her own touch of creativity and ingenuity into each of her works. Her skilful hands give life to unique objects, delicate baskets, refined braids... These creations are made from vacoa(Pandanus utilis), which she grows at home without the use of chemicals, alongside plant species typical of the south of the island, such as palm kernels and vanilla.

By controlling the manufacturing process of her raw material, this braider ensures that the product she offers is totally eco-responsible and a testament to heritage and traditional know-how. A commitment she passes on in these introductory vacoa braiding workshops, to Reunion islanders and holidaymakers keen to learn a little more about this traditional craft.

In order to limit her environmental impact, Laurianne offers handcrafted objects made from natural, local materials, which she grows directly at home. She uses low-energy manufacturing processes to make objects that she sells directly to consumers, in her boutique or at local markets.

Products are available on her website: https://www.tibrinnature.com/boutique