Australian designer Brianna Hallihan creates jewelry and bags out of bomb shells. Yes, you heard right. The innovative designer works with fair trade artisans in Cambodia to recycle leftover Khmer Rouge bomb shells and turn them into wearable products. The Mettle Simi Bombshell bag looks like they belong at an antique store or at a couture boutique. A quick glance will lead you to wonder if it’s a vase or something similar. It is only when you gaze long enough that you notice the chain strap is meant to be slung over your shoulder.
The unique bag is part of a nonprofit skill training project, which Hallihan heads. Based out of Cambodia, the project involves taking the help of women artisans at a cooperate to create the Simi bag. Since it falls under fair trade, the training project helps the artisans maintain an income while helping upscale otherwise useless spent bomb shells.
Hallihan was inspired to start up the project after volunteering at a co-op for women in Cambodia. The idea seems to have taken off like a shot and the designer has made quite a name for herself, winning several awards for her efforts. The bag isn’t the only product to come out of the mettle either. There are jewelry pieces like bracelets, necklaces, rings and belts, all designed in the contemporary style.
What we love about the project is that whenever you buy a Mettle item, you’re helping struggling Cambodian women stand on their feet. Moreover, you’re also helping contribute to the recycling cause as the bomb shells would otherwise lie unused and add to environmental debris. As for the availability of the bomb shells, Hallihan says that there’s still a huge supply of left over from the time of the Khmer Rouge’s reign despite the Communist party disbanding way back in 1979.
Via: Bagbliss
