About the fashion designers

Abai Schulze

ZAAF™ is a collection of handcrafted luxury leather handbags and accessories produced by artisans in Ethiopia. Each piece is made to exacting standards and showcases beautiful craftsmanship and natural resources unique to the region it draws its inspiration from. ZAAF™ is a word that means “tree” in the ancient and noble Amharic language.

Born in a remote village in the Ethiopian province of Wollo, ZAAF’s creative designer, Abai, reflects deep influences that span from the countryside to the capitals of the world where she has lived and studied. Her life journey has taken her from an orphanage in Addis Ababa to the United States and the rest of the world, and back to Ethiopia. She is committed to using her background in economics and fine arts to create unique and practical expressions of beauty, and to open avenues of opportunity for talented artisans in Ethiopia and the rest of Africa.

ZAAF™ products are made from the finest materials beautifully integrated with ageless patterns created on traditional looms. Her designs draw upon precious cultural relics and allow them renewed expression through fresh, uplifting, modern designs. Color, texture, and form merge to create a discrete statement of elegance and practicality for those who are at home in the world.

ZAAF™ believes in exercising a very high standard for goods and products sourced from Ethiopia to produce a distinct statement of sophistication and functionality for our customers.

Thula Sindi-South Africa

Thula Sindi is a 2001 graduate of the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg and of later of London international school of fashion. He started his career first- as head designer at Dutch textile company Vlisco the day after he graduated and shortly after showed at South African fashion Week (SAFW) in 2005. In February 2006 Thula started developing his own range, which hit the runway at SAFW 2006 since then Thula Sindi has gone on to show his collections in Hong Kong, Beijing, New York ,Lagos, Paris and many other cities across the globe. Thula produces his effortlessly elegant women's wear from his Johannesburg headquarters... retailing in various boutiques in South Africa, Angola, the UK London and online at www.style36.co.za and www.thulasindi.com

Taibo Bacar-Mozambique

Taibo Bacar was born in Mozambique in 1985 and originally studied Information Technologies. The son of a seamstress, Bacar grew up around the sounds of sewing machines, fabrics and the design sketches that he drew for some of his mother’s clients. Bacar who later studied Design and pattern cutting at Instituto Marangoni in Spain launched his Taibo Bacar brand in 2007. Today Taibo Bacar brand has two simultaneous lines in each collection: TB (prêt-a-porter) and TAIBO BACAR couture (high fashion).Website: http://www.taibobacar.com

Kibonen-Cameroon

KibonenǀNY is the brain child of Cameroonian designer Kibonen Nfi. Inspired by traditional Cameroonian garments, West African fabric and New York’s vibrant fashion scene, Kibonen delved into fashion by developing a label which actualizes her vision as a designer. KNY came up with the innovative and indigenous idea of making the most delicate and intricate hand embroidered traditional garments "Toghu" more contemporary. KibonenǀNY creates sensual clothing, accessories and footwear to fit fashionable lifestyle. After realizing the potential that ethical fashion could provide, KibonenǀNY together with some partners formed the Cameroon Fashion Association of America and instigated the startup of an ethical factory, “Made In Camer” Clothing and Accessories Fair Trade Manufacturing in Bamenda, Cameroon. Website: http://kibonenny.com/ 

Chouchou Lazare-Gabon

Lazare Kombila, popularly known as Chouchou Lazare, discovered his love for fashion as a child, while working on a dress-sketch inspired by his mother, who was a seamstress at the time. However it was not until he graduated from high school that his career took off. The self-taught designer later got an opportunity to work with famed Nigerien designer, Alphadi as an intern, giving him access to one of the continent's most successful designers. Today Lazare who is famous for his evening outfits, that combines luxurious Italian and French silk, soft cotton and intricate embroidery, as well as various African fabrics, says he is inspired to create from the world around him.

Sindiso Khumalo- South Africa

 SINDISO KHUMALO is a womenswear brand with a strong focus on contemporary textile design. She studied Architecture at University of Cape Town before moving to London to work for award winning architect David Adjaye. Following that she went on to study an MA Design for Textile Futures at Central St Martins College of Art and Design, graduating with a distinction for her final project. In October 2012 she was shortlisted for the Elle Magazine Rising Star Competition and showcased her debut SS13 collection at the Awards. In February 2013, her Aretha Dress was nominated for “Most Beautiful Object in South Africa” by the Design Indaba Cape Town. She works with NGO's in various parts of the world in developing new textiles for her collections. Recently her AW13 collection was showcased in Paris at Laboethnik Fashion Weekend. Website: http://www.sindisokhumalo.com/

MaXhosa by Laduma- South Africa

MaXhosa by Laduma is a distinctive knitwear brand that is rooted in Laduma Ngxokolo’s journey into creating Xhosa-inspired knitwear. Using traditional Xhosa beadwork motifs and patterns, MaXhosa celebrates the rich heritage of the Xhosa culture through providing traditional clothing for Xhosa initiation rituals. The creations are modern, yet culturally relevant and bring Xhosa aesthetics into any attire. MaXhosa by Laduma is proudly knitted in South Africa with South African mohair and merino wool.

Patience Torlowei - Nigeria

Patience Torlowei launched her first line in 2006 with Patience Torlowei BVBA, a bridal wear company. Two years later, in 2008, the company added a lingerie line, the first lingerie manufacturer in Nigeria. Founded on the ethos of nothing less than the best, Patience Please and Patience Torlowei items only use the finest of materials from the softest silks to the most dentelle de Calais. Mushana- USA/ Uganda

Mushana was founded by Angela Tucci Robinson in 2009 with the vision of building lasting bonds through ethical consumerism, and creating a lifestyle brand that would allow artisan women in communities in Uganda to connect with consumers in the U.S.  Angela desired to create sustainable lives from sustainable products. Wanting to find a way to make a lasting difference, she became involved through a charitable relationship with an orphanage and AIDS widow community. Angela’s initial financial support for this village led to the development of Mushana, which means sun in Uganda. Website: www.mushana.com

Kenema- Sierra Leone

Kenema is a London-based fashion brand that uses traditional African textiles and wax cotton to create modern style. The brand is representative of its founder Tamu Thomas’ experience of life as a 1st generation Londoner of West African parentage. It is a combination of London’s various cultural influences from language to music with roots steeped in West African tradition. Kenema is a socially conscious brand sourcing fabric in West Africa ethically, supporting projects that promote female entrepreneurship, education for women and projects that have a direct impact on local communities in Sierra Leone.Website: http://www.kenemaco.com/