MAKÜ was established by graphic designer & art director Suzan Aral who has always seen the potential in ‘found materials’. Combining this with her particular interest in natural materials, Suzan founded MAKÜ with the aim to ‘make use, not waste’. Every product she creates is designed to make use of pre-consumer waste. Working closely with skilled artisans and the production chain, Suzan seeks out wonderful natural materials to inspire MAKÜ’s product ranges.
Why did you start?
MAKÜ launched its first limited edition slipper batches in Spring’21 – all made form leather industry discards. Since then we have steadily grown to be the go to supplier of unique, colourful (and often metallic!) handmade slippers. Our range of products has also grown to include hats, scarves, gilets, bags, throws, cushion covers and more. Our products are all produced in limited edition, with batch sizes being determined by the amount of offcuts, seconds or surplus stock we're able to source.
What's your bestseller?
Our POLIN slip-on is a firm favourite with customers who are now part of our fast-growing MAKU slipper family. As with all our slipper models, POLIN are made in a fabulous array of glitzy + patterned limited edition batches that utilise the leather + sheepskin discards we are able to source. POLIN’s sheepskin lining ensures your feet stay beautifully cosy whilst the hidden layer of handmade woollen felt underfoot gives extra cushioning.
What's next?
Following on from working with Great Dixter to create a gardener’s gilet using sheepskin seconds and surplus stock, MAKÜ has some exciting new collaborative projects with in development… MAKÜ also aims to start production of new product lines from their Hastings HQ, aka the DEPO in 2027 – watch this space!
