Discover Akili ni mali
This collection serves as the first part of a continuing series that looks to explore the Swahili and their forgotten parts. To understand through art and fashion the influence they had over the continent and the rest of the globe and to unpack the level of advancement of their civilisation and how from holding such a vital role in trade and the interaction of peoples globally, they came to have much of their history silenced.
Through my exploration I have looked to focus on elements of adornment which are key in the cultural expression of the Swahili. Through this I have picked on elements within their architecture, jewellery and traditional textiles which I have used to inform and develop my own series of prints and forms of adornment which I have used throughout the collection.
The prints that feature in this collection were inspired by traditional Swahili prints as well as patterns and symbols that are present in traditional Swahili architecture and jewellery. The digital prints are designed on the principles of the traditional Kanga. It features a Swahili proverb as well as a prominent pattern in the central part of the fabric and a derivative along the border. The batik prints feature symbols derived from jewellery and forms of adornment as well as traditional Swahili architecture. These prints are put together both with the principles of the Kanga but also as a more haphazard combination of symbols to communicate the layering that is seen in traditional Swahili dress aesthetics.
Photographed by Harrison Thane at The Kasbah House in Lamu, Kenya.
Models: Anyier Anei, Lorains Mercy and Jumah Jatteh.
Creative Director: Iona McCreath
Producer: Ann McCreath
Partner: SafariLink
Sanje Belt
$260
Size GuideThe Sanje belt is made from sheep Napa leather which is a product of the Kenyan meat industry. It features a statement laser-cut symbol derived from the petal shapes featured in the...
Mnara Kilt
$350
Size GuideThe Mnara half-kilt is made from regenerated orange peel. The digital print is designed and commissioned by KikoRomeo. It features a pleated panel on an adjustable belt. The prints that...
Kati Kilt
$560
Size GuideThe Kati kilt is made from industrial waste cotton. It wraps at the front and features deep knife-pleats all round. It has a plain front and is pictured here alongside...
Malindi Overalls
$525
Size GuideThe Malindi shorts overalls are made from regenerated orange peel. The digitalprint is designed and commissioned by KikoRomeo. They are sleeveless with a one-piece collar, coconut-button front and drawstring. The...
Marhaba Scarf
$245
Size GuideThe Marhaba scarf is made from regenerated orange peel. The digital print is designed and commissioned by KikoRomeo and comes in 4 different colourways. It measures 90 by 90cm. This...
Kwale Trousers
$295
Size GuideThe Kwale trousers are made from industrial waste stretch cotton with hand batiked linen off-cuts as a contrast. They are cropped and have a baggy top tapering to the lower...
Nyali Shirt
$295
Size GuideThe Nyali shirt is made from regenerated rose petal textile which has been hand dyed with a spatter pattern. It featured unique collar and cuff details which are derived from the petal shapes...
Shela Shirt
$450
Size GuideThe Shela shirt is made from regenerated orange peel. The digital print is designed and commissioned by KikoRomeo. The shirt is loose fit with coconut buttons down the centre front. It...
Zanzibar Shirt
$350
Size GuideThe Zanzibar shirt is made from Kenyan silk. It has a shallow V-neck, coconut buttons down the centre front and features a hand dyed appliqué motif that is derived from the...
Dimbani Jacket
$625
Size GuideThe Dimbani jacket is made from industrial waste cotton. It features a back cut-out derived from the petal shapes featured in the textiles throughout this collection with an insert of...
Gedi Jumpsuit
$525
Size GuideThe Gedi jumpsuit is made from linen and has an elaborate embroidered neckline and back straps detail that is derived from the petal shapes featured in the textiles throughout this...
Faza Jumpsuit
$645
Size GuideThe Faza jumpsuit is made from regenerated orange peel fabric. The digital print is designed and commissioned by KikoRomeo. It has double layered pants and a neckline that comes like...
Funzi Trousers
$225
Size GuideThe Funzi trousers in black are made from industrial waste stretch cotton and in white from linen. They hug the thighs and calves and then flare with a pleated panel...
Kiunga Dress
$725
Size GuideThe Kiunga dress is made from regenerated orange peel fabric. The digital print is designed and commissioned by KikoRomeo. It features long sleeves and a high round neck, which closes...
Kisiju Dress
$475
Size GuideThe Kisiju dress is made from linen and has a handmade embroidered neckline with detailing that is derived from the petal shapes featured in the textiles throughout this collection. by our...
Pemba Dress
$725
Size GuideThe Pemba dress is made from linen. It is a halter with embroidered cut out back detail that is derived from the petal shapes featured in the textiles throughout this...
Saadani Trousers
$295
Size GuideThe Saadani trousers are made in linen and have a short-length cotton lining. Cut to fit the natural waist, they hug the hips and flare slightly at the bottom with...
Monapo Top
$650
Size GuideThe Monapo top is made from industrial waste stretch cotton with a lightweight cotton lining. It is hand beaded by our partner Senait with symbols derived from patterns present in present...
Kua Top
$250
Size GuideThe Kua top is made from hand batiked linen with a light cotton lining. It is cropped with a sweetheart neckline in the front and scoop neck back and side zip....
Mokowe Overalls
$425
Size GuideThe Mokowe overalls are made in soft, industrial waste cotton. They feature topstitching derived from from the petal shapes featured in the textiles throughout this collection. Alongside a metal zip front they...
Kiswani Kanzu
$525
Size GuideThe Kiswani kanzu is made from soft industrial waste cotton. It features neckline inspired by the petal shapes featured in the textiles throughout this collection as well as a deep pleat back making...
Collection list
