BALAI is an emerging textile and fashion project by Philine Baak and Yamuna LaiLai.

Working primarily with secondhand yarns, reclaimed textiles and existing materials, we explore how overlooked materials can be transformed into garments with renewed value.

Through knitting, crochet and textile manipulation, BALAI brings together our different approaches to material, form and storytelling. Philine’s practice is rooted in nature, intimacy and organic structures, while Yamuna explores play, space and distortion.

Together, we create tactile, handmade pieces that explore softness, transformation and connection.

BALAI is an ongoing exploration of how we can make clothing differently — through reuse, experimentation and a closer relationship with material.