Funoas: An Embodiment of the Delicate Maldivian Coral Reefs
Local brand Funoas is inspired by the delicacy, vulnerability, and ancient culture of the Maldivian coral reefs, as well as the uniqueness of the Dhivehi people and their culture and thousands of years of heritage.
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Sumii Haleem had begun Funoas in July 2016, on the first day of Funoas Nakaiy. The origin story of the brand is when the founder started scuba diving around 2015 and was blown away by the breathtaking beauty of the coral reef systems, while at the same time realizing how vulnerable the little island nation is in the face of climate change.
Their products and textile designs are a nod towards the patterns found in the Maldives’ coral reefs and its rich, indigenous heritage. Their products include swimsuits, bikinis, women’s tops, pants, dresses, scarves, towels, and more.
Their most famous design to date is the Thaana print leggings, men’s boardshorts, and women’s rash guards. The design’s beautiful yet cryptic scripture is one of the main reasons why it's so popular.
The rash guard is also smooth and versatile and protects you from the sun, wind, and other elements while doing sports, and the slim fit, flat ergonomic seams, and the longer body give extra comfort.
The Thaana design is also available in women's t-shirts, dresses, men's shorts, and children's swimsuits.as well as a waist bag. The design is also available in black, white, and red.
Their Noos Koari (fisherman's hat) is also popular with customers. The print is a collage of old newspaper articles containing news from the 1950s to the early 2000s. The brand had collaborated with a traditional koari maker from Gaaf Alif and his son, Asadh, to create the authentic Maldivian product.
They also recently introduced a limited version of their designs as beach kimonos. Funoas beach kimonos are designed to be a fun, stylish, and light-weight cover-up to wear over your swimwear while exploring the island, as modesty is highly valued in the local island communities.
Their latest collection is the Oceans collection, and they also have a new collection coming up very soon at the beginning of next year.
Speaking about future goals, the brand says their main goal is to provide a collaborative space for other Maldivians and start manufacturing "Made in Maldives" products. They said they are also very interested in local island tourism and creating products specifically for that market.
Speaking about the journey of starting Funoas, Sumii said that things have improved since 2016, referring to online access to registrations, MIRA for tax purposes, and online banking.
But at the same time, things like import duty, customs clearance, the difficulty of getting US dollars, create obstacles for small businesses to function on a daily basis. This is something the government could aid small businesses in, Sumii says. This could also help with worldwide shipping for local brands. The government can also increase funding for creating manufacturing industries within the Maldives and train and employ Maldivians to run these industries, Sumii says.
Their products are available at Randhaa Surf Shop in K. Thulusdhoo and can be delivered to you upon purchase.
