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Kredit: Instagram @nurmanfarieka |
On a bright morning, as I wandered in search of eco-friendly local leather shoes, I stumbled upon a trail of hope—leading to an extraordinary story of Hirka, a brand of chicken foot leather shoes crafted by Nurman Farieka Ramdhany in Bandung. This journey became my connection to a future where fashion and sustainability walk hand in hand.
The Hidden Treasure: Chicken Foot Leather as a Sustainable Fashion Material
In today's world, luxury items are often flaunted as a must-have for the elite. Yet, many may not realize that a significant portion of these products comes from the wild, using animal skins that are not sourced through ethical breeding but through capture and exploitation. This raises the question: How can we, as part of a global community, rethink the way we approach fashion?
In 2015, Nurman Farieka Ramdhany embarked on an inspiring journey of environmental care and innovation. Guided by his father, a leather research expert with over two decades of experience, Nurman set out to explore the use of chicken foot leather—a material often overlooked—for crafting something new and sustainable. Unlike the typical leather derived from reptiles, Nurman, a recipient of the Satu Indonesia Awards in 2019, chose to utilize chicken foot leather as a unique material for his handcrafted shoes. The prestigious Satu Indonesia Awards, sponsored by Astra, celebrates young Indonesians who make meaningful contributions to society across health, education, environment, entrepreneurship, and technology.
After two years of intensive research, in 2017, Hirka was officially launched as the first brand to incorporate chicken foot leather, redefining the concept of waste materials in the fashion industry. By transforming discarded materials into a valued resource, Hirka not only reduces environmental impact but also highlights the potential of innovation in sustainable fashion.
Hirka: A Game-Changer in Sustainable Local Fashion
What began as a line of formal shoes has since evolved into a lifestyle brand—one that emphasizes unique innovation and fresh perspectives in every product. Hirka is not just about fashion; it’s about responsibility. Responsibility to the environment and a commitment to inspire conservation.
Throughout this journey, Nurman and his team have championed the use of chicken foot leather as an eco-friendly alternative to reptile skins in the shoe industry. Hirka's innovation has not only produced high-quality footwear but has also contributed to the local economy by supporting traditional shoemakers and reducing waste. This pioneering effort has caught the attention of consumers worldwide, reaching markets in the UK, Bangladesh, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Hirka is more than just a brand. It’s a movement—a movement to save wildlife from excessive exploitation, a movement to change how we view waste, and a movement to promote environmental sustainability. The message is clear: A small step can inspire many. Together, we can make a difference, supporting brands that care about the planet and ensuring a legacy of preservation for future generations.
Why Our Choices Matter: Shopping Sustainably for the Future
As I searched for local leather shoes that not only look good but also embody responsibility, I found inspiration in the story of Nurman Farieka Ramdhany. Our shopping choices can be a force for change. By choosing to support eco-friendly products, we can take part in the journey toward a more sustainable world. A simple step, yet one that leaves a significant impact. Just as small footprints can lead us to a sustainable future, our collective efforts can guide the way.
Hirka stands as a shining example of how a local brand can transform chicken foot leather into luxury fashion, challenging the global fascination with illegal wildlife products.
A study published in the EcoHealth journal revealed that between 2003 and 2013, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seized over 5,600 luxury items made from illegal wildlife products at U.S. ports. These products were linked to renowned fashion brands, such as Ralph Lauren, Gucci, and Michael Kors. While the study does not accuse these brands of intentionally smuggling illegal goods, it highlights a systemic failure in controlling the supply chain of exotic wildlife products. Of the items seized, 84% were made from reptile leather, including belts, watch straps, wallets, shoes, and handbags.
Despite protective measures, illegal wildlife products continue to slip through, reflecting a troubling reality. It's estimated that U.S. law enforcement intercepts fewer than one in ten illegal wildlife shipments. With over 4,000 illegal wildlife products confiscated just last year, the problem of poaching remains critical.
In response, some luxury brands have issued statements. They attribute the seizures to administrative issues rather than deliberate attempts to import illegal goods, reaffirming their commitment to animal welfare and sustainable practices. However, the deeper issue lies in ensuring that their supply chains are free from illegal wildlife products.
Protecting Wildlife: How Can We Help?
As consumers, we have the power to reshape industries. By becoming more conscious of where our products come from and supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and wildlife conservation, we can fight illegal trade and celebrate sustainability in the fashion world. When companies and consumers unite in this effort, we can make a tangible difference in protecting the precious wildlife on our planet.
We must reconsider our fascination with luxury goods, especially those celebrated by the elite. Instead of being dazzled by imported luxury items, we can take pride in the high-quality local products available in our own country. Hirka, with its innovative use of chicken foot leather, is just one of many examples of excellent local craftsmanship.
Supporting high-quality, eco-friendly local products like Hirka is a crucial step in reducing wildlife trade. Hirka’s unique, stylish shoes, crafted from what was once considered waste, offer a luxury product with a positive environmental impact.
Hirka, the brainchild of Nurman Farieka Ramdhany, is a testament to how innovation and environmental care can go hand in hand. By turning discarded chicken feet into valuable products, Hirka inspires us all to shop wisely and support local brands that care about the environment. Together, through small but impactful steps, we can protect our environment, preserve wildlife, and lead the fashion industry towards a more sustainable future. It is through our collective effort that we can create, sustain, and leave a lasting legacy for the world.
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