Why Hands Fans?
Reimagining an Ancient Accessory for a Sustainable Future
In the age of fast fashion and faster rising temperatures, the hand fan might seem like a quaint relic—an accessory of the past, dainty and decorative. But at VAL EVES, we believe in looking deeper. We believe in asking: What can the past teach us about the future? What objects of beauty and utility can become powerful symbols of transformation?
This June, as we unveil our first collection of sustainable hand fans, The NEW CLASSIC, we’re embracing that question with a bold and unexpected answer: hand fans.
A Timeless Object, A Global History
Hand fans are one of humanity’s oldest tools for staying cool and engaging with luxury, with origins that stretch across continents and millennia. From the feathered fans of ancient Egypt, to the intricately painted folding fans of 17th-century Japan and France, fans have long been used not just to stir the air, but to convey style, identity, and even secret messages.
In Spain, fans became part of a “language” of gestures—how one held or moved a fan could signal romantic intent. In West Africa, ceremonial fans crafted from natural fibers were wielded by royalty and spiritual leaders. In China, the fan became a canvas for calligraphy and brush painting, merging function with fine art.
These histories remind us that the fan was never a frivolous accessory. It was, and remains, a deeply human artifact—both practical and symbolic. In every culture that adopted them, fans reflected the climate, the customs, and the creativity of the people who made and used them.
Why Now?
So, why fans—and why now?
The answer lies not just in their history, but in the world we’re living in today. As we enter the summer of 2025, global temperatures are breaking records. Heatwaves are no longer seasonal anomalies; they are annual certainties. Cooling—once a luxury—is now a necessity, and yet our methods of staying cool are often unsustainable.
Air conditioners consume massive amounts of energy, much of it powered by fossil fuels. The fashion industry, too, continues to be a top contributor to global emissions, producing more greenhouse gases than international flights and maritime shipping combined.
In this context, the fan becomes more than just a tool for cooling. It becomes a symbol of resistance—to overconsumption, to disposable culture, to the idea that comfort must come at the planet’s expense.
Fashion Meets Function Meets Future
The NEW CLASSIC collection of sustainable hand fans is a love letter to this balance: between beauty and responsibility, history and progress. Each fan is crafted from natural, regenerative materials like PEC certified Kotibé wood and organic cotton. The designs are inspired by both archival and contemporary art and fashion traditions, through both a graceful reverence of the past and hope for the future.
But more than an object, we see each VAL EVES fan as a conversation starter. A prompt to ask: How can we move through the world more intentionally? How can we stay cool and balanced—not just in temperature, but in spirit?
Hand fans carry a subdued elegance. They don’t buzz or whir. They invite a slower rhythm and appreciation for comfort; luxury. In a hyper-connected, heat-stricken world, there is something quietly radical about choosing an ethically and intentionally crafted fan.
Building a Community of Change
Our hope isn’t just to sell fans—it’s to fan the flames of a movement. One where luxury is defined not by excess, but by intention. Where fashion doesn’t just respond to the climate crisis—it helps to reshape it.
At VAL EVES, we believe style and sustainability are not opposites. They are partners in shaping a future where fashion serves both people and the planet. Our fans are meant to be passed down, cherished, and used again and again—objects of heritage and hope.
In releasing this collection, we invite you to join us. To carry not just a fan, but a commitment. To choose elegance that cools, calms, and creates change.
A Closing Gesture
The next time you open a VAL EVES hand fan—whether to catch a breeze, make a statement, or share a moment—know that you are holding art. A tool. A tradition. A truth: that small actions, done thoughtfully, can ripple outward.
This summer, let’s stay cool—with purpose.
