Iman Ama is about the rebirth of the calabash as an ode to nature and our ancestors. Therefore, we re-imagine the functionality and raw organic form of the fruit to find the same daily usefulness of traditional calabash containers and re-create it as a new kind of vessel carrying our daily necessities. As a result, our bags are inherently loaded with the same strong values as the calabash: symbolic, derived from nature and anchored in the origins of Africa. In our own way, our reason for cultivating this practical object is to reintroduce these values to the city dwellers of today. Our philosophy is to be reminded to always carry a form of nature by our side.

Guided by the principles of a circular economy(through theEllen MacArthur Foundation),we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint to guarantee a viable and sustainable system.We believe that a good product is not only judged by its design but also by its quality. Therefore, we prioritize short European circuits and collaborate with key European partners who share the same values as the company in terms of sustainable development.

Our bags are currently sold exclusively in Switzerland through our Iman Ama E-commerce platform.In the future, we plan to expand sales to European and international markets. We collaborate with EU/International wholesale buyers for whom we gather orders that ship collectively in a streamlined manner to minimise our environmental impact.

Traditional savoir-faire made in Italy meets innovative bio-based material. Designed in Switzerland, our main collection bags are carefully handcrafted in Italy within a family-owned business known for their unique savoir-faire in leather goods, passed down from generation to generation. The traditional technique of pattern making and the general assembling of our curved patterns reflecting the calabash shapes is combined with innovative VEGEA® Grape Leather. Its textured surface makes for a beautiful sturdy yet soft leather-like finish.

At Iman Ama, we prioritize conscious efforts to reduce our environmental impacts. Therefore, our packaging is designed to minimise waste as much as possible. We favour ‘’less is more’’ which means that we use the bare minimum to pack our bags. Our boxes, handbag tags and internal cards are all printed with a local independent print production specialist and certified FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). Our dust bags are made from 100% cotton flannel made in Italy.