Strathberry x AAKS: A Celebration of Craftmanship
Our collaboration with AAKS has arrived. Inspired by AAKS’ rich heritage of handwoven craftsmanship, the collection brings together two female-led brands united by a shared belief in artistry, community and conscious creation.
Natural textures meet sculptural forms to create pieces that feel considered and easy to wear, while reflecting the time and skill behind traditional weaving techniques, thoughtfully reimagined through modern design.
AAKS Founder, Akosua, shares her thoughts on the Strathberry x AAKS collection, highlighting her favourite pieces and the inspiration behind them.
Both Strathberry and AAKS are founded on a shared respect for craftsmanship and handmade pieces. How did this commitment to artisanal craft lead to this collaboration?
It felt like a very natural meeting point. We both place real value on the human side of making - the time, skill and care behind each piece - and that shaped the collection from the very beginning.
There was a clear understanding of how to bring this into the designs. Strathberry’s structured forms paired with AAKS’ handwoven techniques create something that feels both refined and tactile. It became a collaboration where the process is as important as the finished pieces, with each bag reflecting craftmanship and intention.
Can you tell us a bit more about the origins of your brand and why you felt it was so important to champion local craftsmanship when creating AAKS?
AAKS began from a desire to tell a different story about African craftsmanship. After studying and working in the UK, I felt a strong pull back to Ghana, where I’m from, and wanted to build something that celebrated the skills I had grown up around.
The weaving techniques are passed down through generations, and it felt important for AAKS to not only preserve that knowledge but also share it with a global audience in a way that is thoughtful and respectful.
This partnership brings together Scottish design and Ghanaian weaving tradition. How did you approach blending these two cultural identities into one collection?
It was about finding a quiet balance. Strathberry has very refined, structured silhouettes, while AAKS brings softness through texture and colour. We approached it with care, allowing each identity to remain visible in its own way. The result feels harmonious, where the structure and the weave sit naturally together without one overpowering the other.
Akosua, what was your inspiration behind the collaboration and your approach to adding your signature AAKS touch to Strathberry’s iconic bag shapes?
I was really inspired by the idea of contrast. Taking something structured and sculptural and introducing a more organic, tactile surface through weaving. The AAKS touch comes through in the textures, the colours that make each piece feel alive.
The colours of this collection are beautiful; can you tell us a bit more about choosing the colour palette for your weaves?
Colour has always been central to AAKS. For this collection, the Strathberry team developed the palette, which we then brought to life through our hand dyeing and weaving processes. We worked with tones that reflect the landscape in Ghana, soft earth hues, warm neutrals and moments of brightness woven through. It was about creating something that feels joyful and easy to wear.
Where do you find inspiration, and how have your travels influenced your approach to design?
Inspiration comes from everyday moments, nature, architecture, people and places. Travelling has really shaped how I see colour and form. I often travel between Ghana and London, and that contrast in culture always inspires me. Each place leaves a quiet imprint, whether it is the way light hits a building, the colours in a local market, or even seasonal changes and how people dress.
If this collection had a defining mood or feeling, how would you describe it?
The collection feels calm, considered and quietly confident. There is a softness to it, balanced by a subtle strength in its structure. It feels timeless rather than seasonal.
What is your favourite piece in the collection and why?
I love the pieces where the contrast is clear, where you can see the structure yet still feel the softness of the weave. I’m also a big fan of crossbody bags, so the East/West Sinsi is a favourite. At the same time, I adore the finishing on the Lana Bucket bag and the edging on the Scallop tote is beautiful.
What are your everyday bag essentials?
Very simple things, my phone, a small notebook and pen, lip balm and my water bottle. I always carry something to write with; ideas tend to come when you least expect them.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve ever received, and how has it shaped you?
To trust the pace of your own journey. It’s easy to compare yourself to others or feel pressure to move faster but building something meaningful takes time. This advice has helped me stay grounded and make decisions that feel authentic rather than rushed.
Discover the Strathberry x AAKS collection here and explore the craftmanship behind every silhouette.
