The story of CAHAIA begins long before the first bag was made
The Daou family — Karim, Liliane, Ronnie, and Romeo — grew up in a home where culture was a way of life. Encouraged by their parents, they spent each summer participating in international peace programs, traveling to new places to participate in international cultural exchange programs. These experiences shaped their worldview and turned them into true global citizens, deeply connected to creativity, exploration, and cultural appreciation.
Liliane, in particular, developed a passion for storytelling. After spending four months sailing around the world, she published a book sharing stories from the cultures she encountered, a passion she continues through her travel blog. Yet, she and her siblings always felt called to do something more lasting, something that would embody their love of culture and creativity in a tangible way.
When Liliane and her twin brother Ronnie moved to New York, their creative journeys deepened. Liliane fell in love with fashion, especially vintage pieces that carried history and meaning. Rony, meanwhile, became fascinated by vinyl records, their sounds, stories, and emotional depth. His “vinyl nights” became a celebration of musical heritage, blending past and present through shared experiences.
One day, while exploring their neighborhood, the twins discovered stacks of discarded vinyl records deemed unsellable. But where others saw waste, they saw potential, a way to give these cultural relics new life. That moment sparked an idea, to transform these forgotten discs into objects of beauty that tell stories of culture and creativity.
Together with their siblings Karim and Romeo, they developed the vision that became CAHAIA — a culture house. What began as handbags, quickly evolved into something more: people saw them as fashion statements, as décor, as conversation pieces. This inspired a broader vision: a brand celebrating global culture through fashion, design, and community.
As CAHAIA grew, the Daou family refined their process to protect the original music rights while honoring each record’s heritage. Each collection centered on a specific region, each handbag drawing inspiration from its musical traditions. They collaborated with local designers to capture the essence of each culture, partnered with a factory that recycles vinyls (otherwise destined for waste) to maintain sustainability, and brought everything to life through careful craftsmanship.
Today, every CAHAIA piece carries a story of sound, soul, and place. More than a fashion accessory, it is an invitation to connect with the world, to carry a piece of it wherever you go.
