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IKEA’s New MÄVINN Collection Uplifts Communities Through Craft

08.28.24 | By
IKEA’s New MÄVINN Collection Uplifts Communities Through Craft

The MÄVINN collection from home goods staple IKEA focuses on promoting traditional handcraft from all over the globe, uplifting these crafting communities and increasing economic mobility. All pieces in the collection are completely handmade, and feature partnerships with social change groups across Asia. The MÄVINN collection gets its name from a dialect in Småland, Sweden, where IKEA was founded, meaning “having the wind at your back.” This is a symbol of forward momentum for the collaboration, as IKEA has more than 10 years of experience working on similar projects. Each piece in the collection is distinct, yet has handmade pops of color – all of them providing better livelihoods for people that need it. MÄVINN will include a wide array of products, including baskets, bags, rugs, cushion covers, bedspreads, bathrobes, plant pot hangers, throws, and pouches.

A bedroom with a modern design, featuring a bed adorned with multicolored striped bedding from the MÄVINN Collection by IKEA. The pillows complement the wall-mounted robe, while the walls are painted in soft hues of purple and green. Cozy rugs are placed on the floor.

Since 2012, IKEA has been committed to establishing and maintaining partnerships with social businesses. The MÄVINN collection, originally released in 2023, is launching its second edition this year. Available in September 2024, this collection places its focus on handwoven elements that can make products at higher volumes, providing more economic benefits for the artisans themselves. It will be launched in two stages, with the second half of the collection launching in December. Working with businesses in Bangladesh, India, and Jordan, these handwoven, braided, or embroidered elements help preserve traditional crafting techniques.

A person walking barefoot on plaid fabric rugs placed on a green and lavender floor. Only the legs and part of a striped dress are visible.

A person holds up a multi-colored plaid fabric with purple, yellow, white, and green patterns. The person wears a striped green garment and has yellow nail polish.

Close-up of a person using a loom to weave a patterned fabric. The hands are manipulating threads, showcasing the intricate weaving process. The person's wrists have simple bracelets.

All products are made from natural materials, be it cotton or jute, that’s sourced from where the social enterprises operate. A portion of the material is also reclaimed as a waste product from the fashion industry, and so can be recycled into new items. Bright colors dot the collection, with some more muted colors thrown in for a vibrant yet tasteful mix.

Woman with dark hair wearing a green and black striped garment featuring a small embroidered clover design on the back, adjusting her sleeve.

“As a designer, it has been a joy to work closely with local artisans, infusing their skill and creativity into every piece. Not only does it celebrate traditional craftsmanship, but it also creates meaningful job opportunities for those in need. With MÄVINN, we can support artisans and their communities while making handcrafted items accessible to people all over the world”, says Maria Vinka, freelance designer at IKEA of Sweden. Indeed, this is what IKEA is best at. The global reach they have really does make this kind of product accessible to people that appreciate design, who might want something more affordable.

A green sectional sofa covered with colorful, patterned cushions and a matching throw. A woven basket filled with folded textiles sits in the foreground on a jute rug.

A display of colorful, patterned pillows and textiles arranged on a yellow platform, with baskets filled with folded fabrics in the background.

Close-up of a fabric with horizontal stripes in various colors, including black, yellow, pink, and green, featuring a black tassel attachment on one side.

By working with groups from Bangladesh (Classical Handmade Products), India (Ramesh Flowers, Rangsutra, SPUN), and Jordan (Jordan River Foundation), IKEA can promote handmade goods while also uplifting communities. For example, SPUN is making strides in the textile sector, winning Private Brands Supplier of the Year and Top 50 Best Companies to work for in the past year. Employing women in rural communities of Bhuj, increases income and upward mobility for not just the artisans themselves, but their families and community as well.

A person in traditional attire sits on a patterned fabric, working with threads. Brightly colored textiles are seen in the background.

IKEA is a powerhouse in the furniture industry, reimagining the way we interact with furniture for over 80 years. Starting as a mail order furniture business, IKEA has grown to become the largest global home furnishing brand in the world. Focused on the tenets of affordability, sustainability, and durability, they continue to strive for new heights in materiality and production. “Most things still remain to be done. A glorious future!” says Ingvar Kamprad, Founder of IKEA.

Close-up view of hands holding black thread over colorful, striped fabric background.

A person adjusts three hanging glass planters filled with green ferns and moss, against a lavender-colored wall.

The MÄVINN Collection woven basket from IKEA, featuring multiple handles, is filled with rolls of paper and wrapping materials.

A colorful room with floral-themed decor from the MÄVINN Collection IKEA, including rugs, pillows with cat designs, and various craft supplies. A wooden stool and a ladder are also present. Paper cutouts decorate the walls.

A person holding a handwoven, multi-colored basket against a background of light yellow and white, wearing white pants with abstract paint splatters and rips.

A woman in a pink dress holds a large striped woven tote bag with black, pink, and beige lines.

Person with yellow tights lying on a bed with a black runner decorated with colorful crochet patches.

A black fabric with colorful, round crochet patches in purple, orange, yellow, and pink scattered across it.

Close-up of hands crocheting with orange yarn. The yarn is looped around the fingers, and a crochet hook is being used to create stitches. A patterned fabric is partially visible in the background.

For more on the MÄVINN collection, which launches in IKEA stores worldwide and online in September and December of this year, and the communities that are uplifted by this project, visit IKEA.com.

Growing up in NYC has given Aria a unique perspective into art + design, constantly striving for new projects to get immersed in. An avid baker, crocheter, and pasta maker, handwork and personal touch is central to what she loves about the built environment. Outside of the city, she enjoys hiking, biking, and learning about space.