“It all began in 2000 whilst travelling from Tibet to India when we brought home a few woolly hats for friends. Everyone loved them so much that we packed in our regular jobs and started KuSan,” explains Sandra Fritzsch, one of the company’s founders.

Ten years on KuSan’s range has expanded from hats and scarves to include many styles of woolly handbags, purses and gloves, all in the bold colours with which the name KuSan has become synonymous.

“All our handcrafted products are made from 100% wool. Over the years our reputation has quietly grown, from London’s very own skate parks to chic boutiques all across Europe,” adds Sandra.

Right from its conception KuSan’s philosophy, and that of its founders, has been to work honestly and ethically with their suppliers and work force.

“We seek to ensure the integrity of all products bearing the KuSan label and take our social and corporate responsibility very seriously,” says Sandra. “By working with MADE-BY, we want to demonstrate to all of our customers that KuSan is serious about

our sustainable credentials. We are opening our doors for everyone to see inside. The journey we are taking with MADE-BY will help us to deliver quality fashion accessories that make our customers look great, feel good, and play their part in maintaining our planet for a brighter future.”

As KuSan has discovered, contented workers make better knitwear. All the staff involved with KuSan receive good wages and work fair hours in a healthy and safe environment. Sufficient breaks, free staff food and the encouragement of collective bargaining and freedom of association further instil a sense of self worth and pride in its work force. KuSan likes to think that its hand knitters are the best in the world – many have been with them since the company started.

KuSan is also trying to do its bit for the environment. It ships its products by sea and only uses air freight as a last resort when seasonal deliveries are needed in time to meet customer deadlines. The company also makes an annual contribution to Carbon Footprint that is used to support projects that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions and alleviate global warming.