Javea Sisters

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(left to right) Sisters Yaa & Ako Bekoe

on fAshion GiAnts

Two sisters from Javea, Costa Blanca, are taking on the giants of the fast fashion industry by launching their own completely sustainable chic apparel range called, Nao Naï, launching today.

Sisters Ako (30) and Yaa (age 26) Bekoe believe that inexpensive throwaway clothing is long past its sell-by date. They wish to help guide others’ lead a more ‘green’ way of life over at Nao Naï, a platform where you can shop sustainably which also features healthy living and lifestyle tips for those looking to become more eco-friendly.

The girls, originally from London, moved to Spain with their parents back in 2002. Growing up on the Costa Blanca they developed a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of coastal Spain, plus the animals, fauna and surrounding ecosystems it supports. They became vegetarians, developed a love of yoga and an interest in ethical business practices from a young age.

We understand that by changing ourselves the world changes

Yaa adds: “Nao Naï is made up of people who truly try to live a sustainable lifestyle in all its facets, from nutrition and fitness to personal growth. Not because it’s trendy, but because we value the benefits it brings to our lives and to those around us, and we understand that by changing ourselves the world changes” .

It has taken lots of hard work and now the Bekoe sisters are proud to launch their new capsule collection featuring 11 organic T Shirts and locally produced cork clutch bags and purses for sale on their website www.naonailife.com.

Ako says,

“My sister and I began to look online for organic clothing that reflected our beliefs. We knew that the fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to environmental pollution so we didn’t want to wear fast fashion; we wanted to invest in long-term wardrobe staples, but we couldn’t find anything that embodied our style which was flattering and exciting” .

“This then planted a seed and we began to think maybe, just maybe, we could source and produce our own range of clothing and accessories for others like us and so Nao Naï began to come to fruition” .

“We are a small team of women, sisters and friends who share a love for all things natural - sustainability for us is more than an outer attitude. Since the pandemic, this past year has given us time to reflect. Now, more than ever, it’s time for community and conscious shopping with kindness and intention” .

By ethically sourcing their product materials and producing small, online collections there is less waste, a respect for the environment and most importantly, the girls are able to give back to those who need it most, the workers, by creating jobs locally. “Our collection of vegan cork bags are created and lovingly handmade in the Marina Alta area of Costa Blanca using timehonoured artisan traditions handed down through generations” explains Ako. “We would love to create more product ranges with these skilled workers creating more jobs. We are truly delighted to be giving something back to the local community” . In a fast-paced ever changing world, it is fitting that the Bekoe sisters are recognising and Handmade artisan Lyra Cork Bag in turquoise appreciating artisan craft. Although it has just launched, Nao Naï has already been recognised by a leading holistic fashion industry body and has been awarded the Real Sustainable Fashion 2021 Certification.

Some of the pastel hued TShirts bearing the brand’s logo

“Overall, the fashion industry needs to fundamentally change. Here at Nao Naï we want that change to begin with genuine sustainable approaches. We would encourage people to green up their wardrobes” says Ako “and of course this comes alongside a real respect for the planet” .

To find out more, head over to: www.naonailife.com where there is a launch offer, exclusive to our readers, 20% off all products until 23/07/21.

fAst fActs

• The real price of fast fashion is paid by the workers and the environment. It promotes: • Unfit working conditions • Excessive water consumption and pollution • Poor wages, especially in developing countries • Dumping of chemical waste • Lack of basic sanitation and hygiene • Child exploitation

eAsy WAys to help!

• Buy organic fabrics or biodegradable materials • Choose quality over quantity • Donate old clothing • Consider make do and mend or vintage clothing • Shop with companies who give back

hoW our products Are MAde

Our cork bags are entirely handmade in Spain using Portuguese cork which is PETA-Approved-Vegan. Additional accessories such as zips, buttons and linings are bought locally. We use upcycled materials whenever possible and have even opted for organic cotton labels to keep them as environmentally friendly as we can.

Our Tees are made from 100% organic Indian cotton which are certified by Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) and OEKO-TEX. They are printed and embroidered in Spain in different towns of the Marina Alta. Each t-Shirt is made-to-order to avoid unnecessary production and waste and retail between 16 and 28€. We are constantly trying to improve the way we manufacture and are currently working on a collection which will be made entirely with natural dyes.

For more tips on sustainable living and practical solutions on how to lead a greener way of life, Nao Naï publish a weekly blog written in Spanish and English here:

www.naonailife.com/blog

FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR INTENT TO PUBLISH, PLEASE CONTACT GAYNOR DAY +44 7815 064 038. Rights reserved.

PICTURE CREDITS TO: NAO NAï AND SOUL REBEL STUDIO https://www.soulrebelstudio.com

Jeannine Escolano wearing the Celeste Tee