Our world may have only proclaimed 7 wonders, but the surprises that we encounter daily are uncountable! Would you have ever guessed that a sexy line of eco-friendly menswear would spring up on the shores of an enchanting Mediterranean island?!Much like the history of Corsica, Machja has arisen out of a convergence of numerous cultures, nations, and peoples.
As for the island, first came the Greeks, followed by the Etruscans and the Romans. During the medieval period, Corsica passed hands from the Republic of Pisa to the Republic of Genoa, interrupted briefly by France.
In 1755, the Corsicans revolted and succeeded to establish an independent republic for about 15 years until it was purchased by France—right about the time when Napoleone di Buonaparte was born!
As for the label, Machja arises, first, from the convergence of Europe and Asia—the brainchild of Jean-Louis Rossi, a Corsican, and Catherine Soundirarassou, who is of Indo-Vietnamese descent.Based in Bastia, the couple launched their eco-line in 2005, Machja, which, in the native language Corsu, means ‘spot’.
Adhering to the principles of fair trade, Machja sources pesticide- and chemical-free cotton from 300 farms in Maharashtra, India, and milk fiber from Yunnan, China. Organic denim originates from biological cotton that is produced in Uganda, bio-washed in Spain, and sown in ethical shops of Tunisia.
The sweatshirts and tees are assembled in a workshop located in the Tamil Nadu region of southern India. Run by a convent of Franciscan nuns who employ 120 disabled young women of the lower Indian caste, the worksite is monitored by the International Fair Trade Association.
Machja is upheld by three unmistakable pillars: respect for the individual, respect for the environment, and respect for the consumer.
Inspired by the charming isle of beauty, Machja is bioteefull!
