HHPLift is the Exclusive Distributor of Smateria in the USA
HHPLift is the Exclusive Distributor of Smateria in the USA
The journey began in 2006 when Italian designers Jennifer Morellato and Elisa Lion observed the vibrant chaos of local markets. While others saw industrial construction netting and discarded plastic, they recognized the potential for a new architectural textile. This discovery led to the first prototypes, proving that with an Italian eye for detail, the most humble materials could be reimagined as high-fashion accessories. This fusion of European aesthetic sensibilities and reclaimed industrial textures created an entirely new category of sustainable luxury.
Smateria is rooted in “smaterializzare,” the Italian concept of dematerialization. This philosophy guides a design process dictated by a strict no-waste mandate that prioritizes material integrity. By engineering every pattern to utilize 100% of the reclaimed textile, Smateria ensures that each and every scrap of material is used to its fullest potential. This circular approach transforms industrial waste into eco fashion, fulfilling Smateria’s ethos of creating bags with a soul..
A vibrant energy defines the production floor in Phnom Penh, where the transformation of materials takes center stage. This cinematic look inside Smateria’s workshop shows the meticulous layering of upcycled marine netting and the hand-fusing of recycled plastics. Smateria’s workshop is a place where a shared commitment to mission meets collective creativity.
As a recognized Social Enterprise, Smateria’s workshop in Phnom Penh operates as a sanctuary for mothers, who make up 85% of their workforce. Professional growth and family life exist in harmony with an on-site nursery and preschool, a 13-month annual salary for artisans, and comprehensive healthcare. By eliminating the impossible choice between career and care, Smateria provides their artisans with security, stability, and opportunities for both long-term career growth and personal empowerment. Every piece is a direct investment in the resilience of these families and the community.
Technical excellence is cultivated through an internal training program where artisans cultivate the foundations of luxury textile design. Many team members arrive with no prior experience and graduate into elite craftsmen capable of maintaining rigorous Italian quality standards. This investment in human potential ensures that every creator possesses the professional skill set required to produce accessories that are as durable as they are beautiful.
