Discover 10 Sustainable Ethiopian Fashion Brands for Patriot Day

Known for its premium coffee, national parks, Ethiopia is a country steeped in rich history, and cultural traditions. The vibrant fashion scene is no exception.

Fashion designers from this landlock country split by the Great Rift Valley in the horn of Africa have been charting their on path in the global fashion industry over the past two decade with hallmark of designs.

From traditional clothing to modern styles, the designers are fusing different elements to create their signature looks. There is a feature that cuts across these brands — you can always spot the Ethiopian cultural element in them. Yet, each brand is quirky and different in expression.

Add a touch of Ethiopia to your wardrobe by shopping for Ethiopian-inspired fashion. Visit our Ethiopian fashion collection to browse clothing, accessories, and more that feature traditional Ethiopian elements.

We spotlight ten established and emerging contemporary fashion brands in commemoration of Ethiopia’s Patriots’ Victory Day.

Mafi Mafi

Founded in 2011 by creative director, Mahlet Afework , this brand prioritizes sustainable practices to make its garments. She learned to become a designer after finding a gap in the Ethiopian creative space whilst she was still working in the music industry.

She has won awards like the Creative Futures award in 2017 and Origin Africa’s Design Award in 2012. She has been featured by Forbes Africa and other publications like CNN.

Zaaf Collection

It collaborates with local artisans in Ethiopia who are experts in a variety of traditions of workmanship, fusing together antiquated techniques, rare indigenous materials, cutting-edge designs, and high standards of quality that transcend seasons.

Discover the unique styles of other African countries by exploring our diverse African fashion collection. Check out our African fashion page to see designs from other countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa.

The brand specializes in luxury leather accessories, including bags, shoes, and wallets. The designs are inspired by Ethiopian culture and traditions with a modern twist. Zaaf Collection has been featured in publications such as Vogue, Elle, CNN, and Forbes. Zaaf was founded by Ethiopian designer Abai Schulze .

Genet Collection

Creative director and founder of?Genet collection?, Genet Kebede is an established designer with experience spanning 30 years.

After studying fashion design in Italy and Argentina, Kebede returned to her home country to establish her brand Paradise Fashion in 1992 now called Genet Collection. She is recognized as a pioneer of Ethiopian fashion. Genet’s designs are crips, deeply rooted in Ethiopian culture with a modern touch.

Kunjina

Her real passion was fashion. After graduating from African Mosaique Fashion Incubator which she applied to while still in her final year studying construction economics, progressing to launch her first collection and eventually transitioned to become a full time fashion designer.

Support African fashion designers by shopping from our curated selection of emerging and established brands. Shop our African fashion designers page to find clothing, jewelry, and other accessories from talented designers across the continent.

She established the brand in 2017 to explore her creativity. Kunjina Tesfaye ’s pieces are distinct, featuring modern silhouettes and style. Tesfaye has been featured by Okayafrica and Getzmagazine.

Sabahar

For towels, linens, cushion, throws and shawls is the brand to turn to. The brand specialises in making ethical handwoven pieces from natural fibre.

Sabahar was founded in 2004 by Kathy Marshall, who was born in Canada but has lived in Ethiopia for twenty years. Her goal to provide respectable and ethical employment possibilities for underrepresented groups of individuals as well as her enthusiasm for conserving and honoring Ethiopia’s rich weaving history laid the groundwork for the business.

Shop sustainably and ethically by choosing from our selection of eco-friendly and fair trade African fashion brands. Visit our sustainability page to learn more about the brands we carry and their commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.

The brand thrives in sustainability and its fair trade policy, ensuring all artisans are paid well.

Kabana Design

Founded in 2017 by creative director, Semhal Guesh , this brand is on a mission to not just make quality designs but be a source of empowerment to women.

Guesh was awarded as young female entrepreneur of the year by UNDP and GEW in 2018 for her contribution to helping local women become economically independent.

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The makes leather goods such as bags and belts that are quality and durable. It prioritises customer satisfaction to make what consumers love through sustainable practices.

Yefikir Designs

Fikirte has always been a designer at heart, she started designing and experimenting while she was still a high schooler. Now a designer and volunteer psychologist, she continues to promote Ethiopian heritage through her contemporary designs.

The designer was given the chance to take part in the ‘WE ARE AFRICA FASHION SPECTACULAR’ hosted by the South African Art and Culture Department. Yefikir Design s have showcased at a number of fashion shows such as Lagos Fashion week, Caribbean Fashion week and many more.

Root in Style

Root in style makes ethical and environmental-friendly leather bags originally sourced from local tanneries and are a by-product of the food industry. The brand ethos is longevity and sustainability. It was established in 2015 by Tigist Seife .

Seife obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Entrepreneurship from Clark Atlanta University and holds an MSc in Marketing and Marketing Management from Addis Ababa School of Commerce.In 2018, she was awarded Best African Brand by Bellaafricana.

Fozia Endrias

Fozia has a vision of creating high-end designs that can stand the test of time and compete internationally. To reduce waste, the brand uses only natural and environment-friendly fabrics.

It also reuses scraps from fabrics to make new clothing. Fozia Endrias has made a number of appearances on runways such as Afro Glam fashion in 2018 and Hub of Africa Fashion Week in 2019.

Meron Addis Ababa

At the core of the brand is social impact. Meron’s staff is 80% women, providing employment opportunities to women and empowering them through leather craftsmanship classes to better equip them to be self-reliant.

Originally published at?https://www.adjoaa.com?on May 5, 2023.