HANDS OF FASHION: African craftsmanship in global fashion
The International Trade Centre’s Ethical Fashion Initiative launched the “Hands Of Fashion” brand in Nairobi.
“Hands Of Fashion” is the new brand co-owned and led by the artisans participating in the Ethical Fashion Initiative’s network of social enterprises. It is a celebration of African craftsmanship and its place in global fashion. Rooted in sustainability, empowerment, and heritage, the brand brings together different lines of products, each crafted by skilled artisans across Africa.
By bridging traditional techniques with contemporary design, the brand creates high-quality, ethically made pieces that empower artisan communities—especially women—while driving economic and social change.
The brand is launching with its first capsule collection, 100% made in Kenya by the Ethical Fashion Initiative’s social enterprise partner: TUJIKUZE
About the collection
Each piece, 100% handmade in Kenya, is thoughtfully designed to merge tradition with contemporary style, creating timeless and meaningful accessories.
The collection blends cultural heritage with conscious design, while supporting artisan communities and preserving traditional craftsmanship. The sandals are made from vegetable-tanned and semi-vegetable full-grain leather, with linings in white-blue tanning leather. Select styles feature upcycled, handwoven textiles and beadwork. The bags combine leather with handwoven banana fibre and upcycled fabrics.
All leather used in the collection is sourced from a GOLD-certified tannery under the Leather Working Group, ensuring responsible and sustainable tanning practices.
The launch event
For the launch event, two panel discussions brought together professionals from across the fashion and textile industries to reflect on shaping a more ethical and inclusive industry in Kenya and globally.
The first panel, “Durable is Sustainable”, explored durability as a core principle of sustainable fashion. Speakers shared their insights on how long-lasting design, responsible sourcing, and quality craftsmanship contribute to a more circular and thoughtful industry. The conversation featured Itxaso Lecumberri Urrubayen, Senior Footwear Designer and Creative Consultant; Sadiath Alimath Aminou, Sales and Merchandising Expert; Sambasiva Rao Pamidimukkala, managing director of Alpharama Ltd and Richard Mkoloma, fashion design and brand strategist, educator, and industry consultant.
The second discussion, “The State of Kenyan Textiles Today”, focused on the heritage, challenges, and evolving landscape of textile production in Kenya. It highlighted the role of local artisans, regenerative practices, and traditional techniques in shaping a new narrative for Kenyan fashion. The panel featured Lisa Kibutu, arts and culture strategist with the Regenerative Fashion Collective Exchange; Molly Mungai, designer and founder of Embe Creatives; Ria Ana Sejpal, creative director of Lilabare and Rose Mwathi, founder of Weavers Worth.
Both panels sparked rich dialogue and engagement, offering a platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
The Hands of Fashion first capsule collection has been produced in Kenya, by the Artisans of Tujikuze Ethical Fashion Initiative with the support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
