Raffia Bag Repair: Extend the Life of Your OQENA Bag

Why repair your natural raffia bag?

A handmade natural raffia bag isn't just an accessory. It's a unique, handcrafted piece that embodies the history of traditional craftsmanship and the charm of a natural fiber. But what should you do when it gets damaged after several years or intensive use?

At OQENA, we believe that a handcrafted bag deserves to last. That's why we offer a bespoke repair service to extend the life of your bags and stay true to our vision of ethical fashion, far removed from fast fashion.

Natural raffia: a sustainable fiber that deserves time

The origin of raffia

Raffia is a fiber derived from tropical palm trees. Strong, flexible, and biodegradable, it has been used for generations in crafts to create pieces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Every step is carefully crafted to create durable bags that can accompany you every day.

The beauty of craftsmanship

An OQENA creation is not mass-produced. It is crocheted by hand , with patience and meticulousness. This gives it a uniqueness that is not found in fast fashion products.

Why choose repair over replacement?

An ecological act

Every year, the fashion industry generates tons of textile waste. Repairing items reduces your environmental footprint and extends the lifespan of your existing items.

A sentimental value

Your bag follows you on your travels, your evenings, your summers… Throwing it away would mean losing part of these memories. Repairing it means preserving this connection with an object that reflects you and a link with the person who designed it.

Consistency with craftsmanship

A handmade bag is not a disposable product. By choosing to repair it, you support the work of the artisans who created it and you are part of a sustainable consumption approach.

BEFORE / AFTER

What types of repairs are possible?

• Weakened or broken handles : consolidation or reinforcement.
• Worn raffia fibers : partial re-crocheting.
• Stubborn stains : cover with raffia of the same color.
• Open seams : hand-made repair.

Our repairs are not intended to hide the history of your bag, but to give it a new life .

How to maintain your bag to avoid repairs?

Madagascar raffia is known for its strength, but it requires some care to preserve it and avoid possible repairs:

• Store it in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid overloading it unnecessarily.
• If it gets stained, clean it gently with a slightly damp cloth.
• If you are not using your bag for a long time, store it in its OQENA cotton pouch .

Repair, a committed gesture

Repairing your bag doesn't just extend its lifespan:

• It’s about acting for the planet by avoiding waste.
• It is about promoting craftsmanship and perpetuating a tradition.
• It’s choosing a more responsible fashion , where every purchase has meaning.

At OQENA, we believe that a bag should be more than an accessory: it should be a life companion .

How does our repair service work?

Every repair is unique, just like every bag. The process is simple and personalized:

1. Contact us by email at contact@oqena.com describing the problem.
2. Send photos of your bag so we can assess feasibility.
3. We carry out a tailor-made study and offer you the best solution.
4. If you accept, you send us your bag. Our team based in Spain will take care of the rest.

What types of repairs are possible?

• Weakened or broken handles : re-hooking or reinforcement.
• Worn raffia fibers : partial reweaving.
• Open seams : hand-made repair.

BEFORE / AFTER

Conclusion: Lasting elegance

Choosing OQENA means choosing a unique, handcrafted piece that will last over time.
We have thought about it for a long time, by offering this repair service, we affirm our conviction:

So, if your natural raffia bag needs special care, contact us . Together, we will extend its history.