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Launched in 2018 by Jirawat Mahasarn, Chaksarn is a brand of handbags combining traditional Thai materials with genuine leather to create style and uniqueness.
Chaksarn was born from the founder’s passion for and commitment to the local art of weaving, an important part of centuries-old Thai culture. The passion developed from the fascination with the simple beauty and refinement of the works created by villagers. The commitment came from the desire to preserve and make it available to the modern world
Chaksarn uses the hand dyed and woven natural water sedge combined with the local weaving skills that have been handed down over the centuries in north-eastern Thailand (also known as Isaan). Even though there is this rich weaving culture in the area people are often unable to make a decent income from it.
Chaksarn was not born to only preserve and make this local art available to the modern world but also to support the local economy. We practice a fair trade policy with the aim to build a sustainable working society. This creates opportunities for the economically disadvantaged artisans in the rural areas to continue making their traditional works of art.
My name is Jirawat Mahasarn. Having been born in Isaan, the North-eastern region of Thailand, I have had a life-long connection with the local art. I grew up in a small village where almost every household makes silk for everyday and ceremonial use. Villagers weave mats from water sedge and other materials available in the area. This is a big part of Isaan’s culture, one which I am particularly proud of. But in a world of mass production and multinational corporations, how long will it continue to survive? Chaksarn is my way of sharing my passion and pride with you and trying to preserve what is dear to me by taking it to a new level.
Although still widely present throughout Thailand, weaving is increasingly becoming a hobby of the older generation of Thais. Most of the pieces are made as decorative souvenirs for household use rather than for sale. There are very few remaining artisans who practice weaving as a full time trade and even fewer who have adapted to the realities of the global market. With the modernisation of Thailand there is a very real prospect that this uniquely beautiful form of art will become rare within a generation.
My mission is to give this centuries-old traditional Thai weaving a new lease of life by combining the hand-woven materials with good design to create beautiful and stylish fashion pieces.
If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Thank you,
Jirawat Mahasarn (Tum)
Founder & CEO