Our Friend Laurel sent us in some info on her new clothing and accessory business. They are making apparel and bags out of recycled kite materials. Sounds like a great project, and the stuff is pretty cool looking as well. Check it out at! 

History of Kite Fever

Kite Fever was born from a passion of kiteboarding in the hurricane season of 2004, in Cabarete, Dominican Republic. Miami native Karen Beber Futernick and Californian professional kiteboarder Laurel Eastman, stuck inside the hotel while Hurricane Jeanne raged outside spoke of their mutual passion for kitesurfing and a shared idea – making trendy bags out of old kites.

The idea was to take something of seemingly no value and recycle it into something useful and unique! Armed with a few pairs of scissors and a couple of well-loved kites from Laurel’s kite school, the cutting began. Wind and rain building outside and excitement and ideas inside!

Three bags emerged: messenger, beach, and backpack, based on Karen and Laurel’s favorite designs. From sourcing material, organizing production, designing the logo (with the help of Kristiam at BSP Group, Miami), applying for trademark rights, designing websites, not to mention the clothing line for men, women, and children – they have been busy. It’s a good thing these two have so much energy and enthusiasm!

Say Karen and Laurel:

“Kite Fever is a small company with huge goals, great people, and a sincere desire to build a fantastic brand with a unique product line! Oh yeah, and of course an insatiable need to have lots of fun on the water and on the most beautiful beaches around the world!We are dedicated to living passionately. We are building a team of people who share our vision and who look forward to being an integral part of the identity and success of the Kite Fever brand.As a company, we are committed to giving back to the global community. The sea gives us so much, and we feel the responsibility to give back and protect her. To this end, Kite Fever donates 10% of all gross sales to environmental organizations like the Surfrider Foundation.We encourage your participation and welcome you to the Kite Fever vision.”

Products

Kite Fever’s key products are the stylish and functional bags, each one unique and hand-made from recycled kites. A boutique line of clothing for men, women, and children compliments the cornerstone bag collection. Kite Fever clothing is made with ultra soft “vintage” cotton, a light breezy fabric that you will love to wear and asks to be touched. Check out the full line on http://www.kitefever.com/.