In today’s, Meet The Makers Series, Inside Fashion Design shares a story about The Swahili Tradition of Dhow Sailing and how a community upcycled the old sails into fashionable bags for designers such as Vivienne Westwood.
From the Coast to the Artisan Workshop: The Journey of a Dhow Sail
The Kenyan coast is known for its vibrant culture and traditions, and one of the most iconic symbols of this culture is the dhow. Used mainly by communities living along the coast, the dhow (pronounced daw) is a type of sailing vessel that has been used for centuries to transport goods and people across the Indian Ocean.
"At Artisan Fashion, we have found a unique way to preserve this Swahili tradition and promote sustainability through dhow sail upcycling. Godfrey Wanjama, our sourcing manager, explains, "I love working with dhow sail bags because it keeps the Swahili tradition alive. It's a long journey. Have to take a train, a piki-piki, collect the dhow sails, then go back to the Artisan Fashion. It is special because we use lots of recycled materials. There is that integration of different people which brings communities together.” www.artisanfashion.com
Artisan Fashion: Preserving Tradition and Promoting Sustainability
The journey of a dhow sail from the coast to the Artisan workshop is a fascinating one. The sails are collected from the dhow owners, who are often fishermen and sailors themselves. These sails are then transported to the workshop, where they are cleaned, cut, and sewn into beautiful bags and accessories.
Dhow Sail Upcycling: An Integration of People and Communities
At Artisan Fashion, we believe in preserving tradition and promoting sustainability. By upcycling dhow sails and using recycled materials, we are reducing waste and creating unique, one-of-a-kind products that celebrate the rich culture of the Swahili coast.
But Dhow Sail upcycling is not just about sustainability. It is also about integrating people and communities. By working with dhow owners and local artisans, we are creating opportunities for people to come together, share their skills and knowledge, and build a stronger, more connected community.
From Vivienne Westwood's blog: MADE IN KENYA – THE JOURNEY CONTINUES. Read the full article here 11.03.2022 - WADMIN
Each collection calls for diligence. An affinity towards the craft — but also to its people. In prolonging our engagement with local producers from marginalized Kenyan communities, our ‘Made in Kenya’ collections hold a significant place within the Westwood ethos. With the collaboration of the Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI), methods of sustainable manufacturing have been used to not only create premium products but ensure dignified work for skilled women, men, and communities. “We are doing this for the love of humanity,” explains Vincent Oduor, Program Management Officer for Ethical Fashion Initiative. “Because every human deserves a better job, a better life, and enjoyment — to live as a human being.”
Join the movement towards sustainable & ethical fashion by learning about artisan communities and makers around the world. IFD shares stories of Micro to SMEs so that we can support artisan makers and communities of people who are preserving tradition and promoting sustainability. Together, we can "sail" towards a better future.
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