The fashion aspect of the brand “really took off” in 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic. During this time, they met an Afghan refugee tailor who was in transit in Malaysia. Known as JS, the entrepreneurs learnt that while he was previously a tailor, he was unable to find a job due to his refugee status. They were impressed after seeing some of his pieces and decided to collaborate with him to create a sample collection.

Following this experience, the co-founders quickly recognised the need to celebrate these talented artisans who often “lack the opportunities and resources to thrive” and dedicated the business to fostering strong and sustainable artisan communities around the globe. Thus, they began investing in the lives of their artisans and connecting people to the products they make.

Lye explains that their partnering artisans typically begin as small producers who lack access and knowledge to scale their operations. “Despite their incredible talent, they frequently go unrecognised due to their circumstances—whether living in rural areas or belonging to marginalised communities,” she continues, adding that these obstacles significantly hinder their ability to compete with larger brands in the market.

Our Barehands view their artisans as equal partners, not beneficiaries. “It’s a collaborative two-way relationship where they contribute their hard work and expertise, rather than relying on charitable handouts,” Go explains, adding how the brand ensures their artisans are fairly compensated.

“We’ve always seen ourselves as a bridge between our artisans and the rest of the world. This has driven us to seek and uncover beauty across different cultures and communities, and spotlight their artistry for the global stage,” Lye says.

“Our goal is that through these beautiful products, our partnerships will empower artisans to secure a sustainable livelihood and lead lives of dignity for themselves, their families and their communities,” Lye shares. Since the brand’s inception, they have collaborated with small-producing communities, ensuring that each piece tells the story of the skills and heritage of its maker. Today, the brand works with over 140 partner artisans in Myanmar, Thailand, Colombia, Singapore and more.

The Singapore brand also works with various growing and budding designers both in Singapore and abroad. “We continue to seek and partner with them so that their talents combined with the craftsmanship of our artisans can truly make a statement internationally,” Lye adds.

Our Barehands encourages its customers to engage with the stories behind their purchases, fostering a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship and the people behind their purchases.

Sustainability is woven into every aspect of the brand’s production process. Go walks us through the brand’s counter-retail approach that focuses on personalisation and sustainability. Their Made to Order (MTO) programme allows customers to make minor adjustments to standard sizing while encouraging them to wait for their pieces to be crafted.

“This initiative aims to reduce overproduction and waste in the long run. Behind this programme are highly skilled refugee artisans who handle every step, from hand-drawn pattern making to producing each piece in small, personalised batches,” Go explains.

The brand also actively seeks to utilise off-cut fabrics in its designs, transforming “waste” into stylish pieces. The practice maximises resources and supports artisans by providing them with materials that might otherwise go unused.

Go adds that they hope the fashion industry will increasingly strive for a more sustainable and responsible future—one that considers the impact of its actions and adopts a more conscious approach to business. “While achieving perfect balance may be challenging, we believe that together we can make meaningful progress by gradually implementing small changes … regardless of size, brands can rethink sustainability and integrate it more holistically into every aspect of their operations,” the entrepreneur continues.

Big things are in store for the brand’s many artisans. For one, Our Barehands has since helped expand JS’s team from one to five tailors, empowering him to train others and share his mastery of tailoring. In 2023, JS and his family were granted permanent residency in a third country where they now reside.

Over the years, Go also explains how they had the privilege of building a close friendship with him and his family from visiting his home to experiencing the warm Afghan hospitality. She continues: “Reflecting on his journey and growth, it warms our hearts to know that we played a small role in his path as a micro-entrepreneur and master artisan during his time as a refugee in transit.”

As for the brand itself, Our Barehands continues to extend opportunities to even more artisans, allowing them to experience similar transformative journeys. Lye shares: “We’re excited to explore deeper collaborations with like-minded brands and creatives as we expand our product range across a wider variety of mediums.” On top of deeper collaborations, the brand also envisions more opportunities for people around the world to experience the brand “no matter where they are”.

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