The MELA x dariadéh backpack is the unique result of two sustainable fashion labels collaborating together. Madeleine Alizadeh (founder of the fashion label dariadéh and the blog Daria Daria) and Henning Siedentopp (founder of MELA) met in 2018 during a trip to India. There, the Melawear team showed the successful fashion and sustainability influencer Madeleine Alizadeh the entire MELA supply chain; from the fair trade organic cotton cooperatives to the clothing factories. It quickly became clear: Both share the same mindset of always questioning things and NOT settling for simple and convenient solutions when it comes to sustainability. Dariadéh and MELA are two brands that make no compromises when it comes to sustainability. The product of this cooperation is now a backpack that is jointly developed by MELA and dariadéh and produced in the MELA supply chain in India.

This backpack is not suitable for machine washing. To enjoy MELA x dariadéh for a long time, please clean it by hand only. We recommend a GOTS-certified waterproofing spray to optimize the water-repellent effect of the organic cotton canvas.

We have been working closely with this company since the launch of our first model. Together we have continued to develop and continuously optimise the quality of the products. Our manufacturers have already received numerous awards for their social commitment. The topic of "female empowerment" is strongly promoted in the two factories and there are numerous training programs. The employees also benefit from annual medical offers, which are also extended to the communities adjacent to the production site.

We pay attention to fair working conditions and a healthy working environment, and not just in the sewing department. From the cotton to the finished product, we can trace all ingredients and guarantee compliance with ecological standards along the entire supply chain. All of our production steps take place in the countries from which the raw materials come. This helps to maximize local added value and shorten transport routes.

MELA bags are triple certified according to Fairtrade Cotton, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Green Button. In our opinion, the social and ecological aspects of these standards complement each other perfectly, so that we can speak with a clear conscience about holistically sustainable textiles.

• Through the Fairtrade Cotton Standard, we ensure that social criteria are adhered to when extracting raw materials. We place particular emphasis on fair pay for cotton farmers. With every MELA item you buy, you support Indian cotton cooperatives with a Fairtrade premium. MELA is also part of the new Fairtrade Textile Standard and is committed to living wages along the entire supply chain.
• The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) ensures that only ecologically optimized substances are used along the entire supply chain - from cotton cultivation to dyeing the fabrics - and that social standards are met. This is monitored by independent certification bodies.
• In addition, this fashion item is also certified according to the state textile seal Green Button, which checks social and environmental criteria at both product and company level.

Do you have any further questions? You can find more information on our sustainability page , in our podcast and in our FAQs .

The backpack was made by our bag and backpack manufacturers in Kolkata, India.