Finding beauty in the remains of war

Turning dreadful memories of war into beauty, that’s the strategy Emi&Eve has adopted to create unique jewelry and handbags that tell a story about overcoming adversity and turning it into something positive. Cassandra Postema is the designer behind Emi&Eve, a brand that turns bullets and bombshells into beautiful fashion accessories.

The Cambodian Civil War took place between 1967 and 1975 and it left not only the irreparable human wounds of war, but a tangible trace of landmines, many of which are still unexploited, posing a danger to Cambodian families until this day. The Cambodian Mine Action Centre is devoted to search for mines and reduce this imminent threat for civilians.

Tha artisans crafting Emi&Eve’s pieces are part of Craftworks Cambodia, an organization employing local artisans while giving them tools to make a decent living under fair trade principles.

Cassandra Pastema, Emi&Eve designer

I asked Cassandra a few questions about her involvement with this cause:

What motivated you to become a fashion designer?

It’s hard to say but I guess it’s the multitude combination of color, textures, drawing, hand work and self-expression that fashion allows.

Why did you decide to live in Hong Kong?

I grew up in Asia and missed it. Although I miss London now, I feel that Asia poses the mixture if challenge, artisanal materials and ease of getting around that works well for me. Hong Kong is great for sourcing components for professional finishing, while at the same time being a westernized enough place to have a decent social life.

How did you first get into sustainability?

I’ve always found upcycling the most inspiring way to design. My final degree show at CSM was made up of upcycled wool. I unraveled jumpers and re knitted, tufted, and printed on restructured jackets and skirts…I enjoy the challenge of using limited resources and finding ways to still make a professional looking product. I also hate waste. I think with non-degradable materials such as plastic, we have a responsibility to find ways to reuse it while things such as polystyrene should be banned.

Why Cambodia?

I first went with a friend to check out the various social enterprises and see if I could help any of them develop a better product. I met a bomb shell recycling family and that was it.

What was the most difficult obstacle to get started?

I had not worked with metal before and didn’t just want to make jewelery since I love textiles, so it was a steep learning curve to make handbags incorporating both metal and fabric.

What inspires your designs?

At the moment, being in Hong Kong I really miss nature so most of my jewellery has organic natural shapes.

Who is your favorite designer?

It’s hard to pick one. Missoni is one of them, for their genius ability to keep a signature look across various product categories.

What is your favorite part about the job?

Being in Cambodia and working with the artisans.

You are also doing consulting work, how do you help your customers?

I help social enterprises with creative direction. Whether that is tweaking their logo or helping them figure out their brand DNA and from there a product development strategy. If needed I design ranges including print if at all possible since that is how you can create your signature look.