Juliette Khamak is the founder of Kamacko, a brand shaped by her journey from Paris to London,
New York, Milan, and now Palma de Mallorca. After 15 years as a knitwear designer in luxury
fashion, she felt the need to create something more personal and meaningful.
That instinct led her to Madagascar, where she discovered exceptional crochet craftsmanship and
the women behind it. With Kamacko, she reimagines crochet accessories in natural raphia through
bold colours and striking designs, far from the expected.
Her work is about joy, self-expression, and courage: encouraging people to stand out in a world that
often values sameness. Rooted in respect for people, time, and materials, Kamacko reflects her
vision of ethical, human-centered creation, bridging cultures with a vibrant, Parisian eye.
So I am a knitwear designer, because, when I graduated in Paris from the Studio Berçot at 21, I
wanted to go study at Saint Martins in London. I chose the knitwear design BA to learn something
new. And this is where I became a geek for knitwear and followed within this path.
I don’t call myself an artist. I am a designer, applying a craft to create precious desirable pieces, full
of strong intentions, aligned with my values, wanting to give people self confidence and happiness.
I think it was just a visceral need to create and share with people.
Viviane Sassen early work. I was maybe 14 the first time I saw her photos and the contrast of her
colours. Something in my brain exploded, it was literally feeding me.
Martin Parr. It is so bold. I was obsessed, who were those English people with a culture SO
different from mine? Without him I wouldn’t have gone to London, and I wouldn’t have become who
I am today. My creativity shifted there, I got to leave my French boundaries on the side.
I know these experiences have made Kamacko what it is today.
Kamacko bags are made in Madagascar. The women there are the crochet makers on the planet.
They have this savoir-faire for generations and we call them the golden hands (les mains d’or in
french). So it is an atelier in Tana where incredibly talented women crochet raphia to give life to my
designs. The other key place is where they dye the raphia prior to this in my vibrant colours. It is in
open air with big pots warmed up by wood fire. It is usually men taking on this role. Once the
raphia is dyed, it is spread out in a field to dry in the sun. Both are slow processes that require a lot
of skills and patience.
Ok, bare with me.
I’d like Martin Parr to chit chat, and let’s be honest, you always need a Brit at the table.
Eileen Akbaraly who founded Made for a Woman. She’s got something to say.
Trump. I’ll put a truth elixir in his drink, I just have so many questions.
And my Dad who passed away, to share with him what I have been up to.
To be honest, the 5 of us together, the conversation might be extremely interesting.
Oh, and I hope everybody eat fish, because my favourite meal is a sole meunière!
What’s a film you watched and book you’ve read recently that had an impact on you?
Ah! Love this question. I am an entrepreneur, I am working 24/7 to bring Kamacko to life for this
summer. I am looking forward to the moment when I will be reading a book and going to the
cinema again!
But I do recommend the book The Dog Stars from Peter Heller. Incredible novel about a friendship.
And if we carry on the friendship subject: the French film L’épreuve du Feu from the realisator
Aurélien Peyre. OR Chien de la Casse from Jean Baptiste Durand.
I value my friendships tremendously.
I was exceptionally good at maths when I was at school. So I guess I could have done something
with that, like build bridges.
Capricorn, Aries rising, Chinese sign Dragon. People who know, know!
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