A Collaboration Under the Sea
The ocean is a source of healing, for mind, body and soul. Since ancient times, we have been aware of the ocean’s transformational properties and the mysterious draw we have to the seaside. The archipelago of the Maldives is 99% water and only one percent land, so it comes as no surprise that our affinity to the ocean is greater than most.
This intimate connection we have with the sea is what led to our free diving film collaboration with three local creatives — model and free diver, Dyna; director and videographer, Avva; and filmmaker, Modey. With Avva’s artistic direction and Modey’s impeccable cinematography, we told Dyna’s story as a free diver and the profound impact it had on her mental well-being.
Shot mostly underwater, the short film showcases Dyna in the smooth and versatile Thaana Rashguard, exploring the ocean environment amid marine flora and fauna. Offering a much-needed escape from the congestion of Male’, the capital city of the Maldives, free diving gives Dyna a sense of freedom unlike any other. Donning the Thaana Rashguard, which provides protection from the harsher elements of nature, she glides effortlessly into the azure depths.
Of course, when we talk about the ocean, we must also speak up about the threat that looms over it. Our oceans are under increasing stress from urban and rural pollution, which in turn has a direct and deadly effect on our wildlife. In the Maldives especially, plastic pollution and poor waste management are endangering not only our marine species, but our livelihoods as well.
That is why, in line with our commitment to sustainable practices, the Thaana Rashguard is made with ECONYL, a recycled nylon fabric created from synthetic waste such as industrial plastic, waste fabric, and fishing nets from oceans. ECONYL’s regeneration system focuses on multiple steps that form a closed loop, which uses less water and thereby creates less waste than traditional nylon production methods.
Upholding Culture, Tradition and Heritage:
The Story of Koari
A seafaring nation with a vibrant history, the Maldives is survived by many cultural rituals and heritage practices that can be witnessed even today. Drawn from our natural surroundings and passed down from one generation to the next, these age-old crafts are inextricably linked to our distinct way of life.
As the years pass, however, some of these traditions have fallen out of practice. A core aim of the Funoas brand is working with local artisans to preserve traditional art, skills and knowledge. As such, one of our favourite collaborations to date was the Koari Mas Hat, a contemporary fishermen’s hat that honours the ancient craft of koari making.
Koari is a cone-shaped sun hat of traditional design, worn by Maldivian pole-and-line fishermen whilst out at sea. It is designed to be wider at the front for maximum protection from the sun. The brim of the hat was crafted with handwoven thun’du kunaa (reed mats). Today, they are made from imported raffia mats.
The idea of the Koari Mas Hat emerged in conversation with Asadh, a like-minded art director and fashion designer from the Maldives. We had collaborated on ad-hoc projects before, where he would upcycle Funoas clothing and repurpose them as handbags. For the concept of the Koari Mas Hat, we collaborated with Asadh and his father, a traditional koari maker.
Born to the southern atoll of Huvadhoo, Asadh’s father was introduced to koari making in his early youth. He travelled to Addu as part of his tailoring apprenticeship, where he learned and mastered the craft. His insight, guidance and expertise were invaluable in the making of the final product, and together, we came up with a stylized spin on a traditional classic.
The Funoas version of the koari is available in two designs: one, printed with newspaper clippings from the 1950s to the 2000s, and the other, with a colourful pattern inspired by faana (grouper fish).