Fashion brand launches crowdfunding campaign for cruelty-free KAE Backpack
Amy Chu, founder of KAESA / Courtesy of KAESA
In today’s fashion landscape, looking good and doing good are no longer separate goals — they walk the same runway.
Recently, conscious consumer demand has been rising in Korea. A new wave of designers and brands have responded with items and collections that are not only stylish, but also made from vegan materials and committed to meaningful causes. From cruelty-free materials to proceeds that support humanitarian efforts, these initiatives show that fashion can be a form of activism — one item at a time
One notable brand is KAESA, a Korean fashion brand committed to eco-friendly innovation. It launched a new crowdfunding campaign on the Korean platform Wadiz to bring to life its latest creation: the KAE Backpack. The company describes it as sleek, versatile and purpose-driven, an item that wants to both help the customer and inspire change for both the planet and community.
The KAE Backpack by KAESA / Courtesy of KAESA
More than just a stylish and functional accessory, the KAE Backpack represents KAESA’s mission: to make sustainable fashion the standard while supporting the underprivileged and vulnerable communities of Korea.
With this campaign, KAESA pushes the boundaries of eco-conscious fashion that uses sustainable materials, meticulous design and craftsmanship, resulting in a product that is timeless and elegant.
Additionally, 5 percent of all sales will be donated to the Oak Tree Project, an organization that aids Korean orphans after they reach age 18. Once they age out of the orphanage system, it offers mentors, scholarships and a strong support system — giving them the tools and confidence to succeed in life.
This cause is deeply personal for KAESA’s founder, Amy Chu McQueen, who spent time in a Korean orphanage at a young age before being adopted to the U.S.
“This campaign isn’t just about launching a backpack,” she said. “It’s about supporting our communities to help those in need — by using fashion as a force for good, and doing it with purpose and compassion.”
The KAE Backpack by KAESA / Courtesy of KAESA
The KAE Backpack itself is multi-purpose and suitable for work, travel and daily life. Unlike many luxury bags that trade style for function or vice versa, the KAE Backpack offers the best of both worlds.
From meetings to airports and everything in between, it’s built to keep up with your busy lifestyle — while staying kind to the planet.
The backpack features a slim, lightweight and compact profile, and holds multiple compartments for effortless organization. It is travel-ready, including easy attachment to carry-on luggage.
The founder’s deep passion for textiles is evident in every detail. From the use of premium vegan leathers to the luxurious twill lining, each material was selected carefully for sustainability, sophistication and durability.
“We set out to create a backpack that embodies timeless elegance — stylish yet versatile, designed to be worn and loved by both men and women,” McQueen said.
The KAE Backpack by KAESA / Courtesy of KAESA
The campaign is live now and early backers will receive exclusive discounts, with products shipping after the campaign ends.
Follow @kaesa.co on Instagram or visit kaesa.co for more information.
Antonia Giordano is a freelance photographer and writer based in Seoul. An adoptee, Antonia deeply understands and connects with the issues surrounding adoption and post-adoption. Visit giordanoantonia.myportfolio.com and follow @antonia_creative_services on Instagram.