Join us in celebrating Ugandan Independence Day as we showcase the sustainability efforts of six incredible Ugandan brands. From the beautiful Pearl of Africa, these brands are leading the way in promoting eco-friendly practices and making a positive impact on their communities. Stay tuned as we highlight their inspiring stories and innovative approaches to sustainability. Let's celebrate Uganda's independence by supporting these trailblazing brands!
Uganda is a treasure trove of talent and creativity in the African fashion industry! From self-taught designers with a passion for sustainable fashion to self-taught multidisciplinary artists, Uganda has so much to offer. With its rich cultural heritage and abundance of natural resources, Uganda provides the perfect backdrop for ethical fashion initiatives to flourish. Get ready to be inspired by the incredible work coming out of Uganda!
Happy 62nd independence day to our fellow Ugandans!
Founded in 2020, Mashach Jewelry is a brand that embodies the essence of the modern African spirit through bold and sculptural accessories. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted and designed by founder, Phyllis Ampumuza. Maschach prides itself on pushing the boundaries of traditional jewellery-making by utilising unconventional materials such as clay, recycled materials, and gold-filled components to add a touch of elegance.Their jewellery is bold, statement-making, yet surprisingly lightweight.
Ampumuza started off her career in Finance and Economics but was quickly captivated by the art of creating jewellery after a trip to India and how jewellery is used a mode self expression through of their rich heritage. After returning back to Uganda, she began to recognize that before colonisation and consumerism, jewellery played a significant role in African culture. It was used in rituals, ceremonies, and as a symbol of status. Traditional African jewellery was often heavy and made from metals like brass and gold, which could be uncomfortable for everyday wear.
At Mashach Jewelry, they are passionate about creating functional wearable art that combines the boldness and aesthetic of authentic African jewellery with modern culture. They draw inspiration from the intricate beadwork of Maasai jewellery and the gold adornments of Fulani women to create pieces that are both striking and easy to wear. Their goal is to capture the essence of traditional African jewellery while making it more accessible and wearable for daily use and special occasions.
To ensure our pieces are lightweight, they conduct a coin test to ensure that each earring does not weigh more than a standard quarter (25 cents).
Jose Hendo, is Ugandan-born British eco-sustainable designer and artist revolutionising the world of fashion with her innovative approach that challenges the throwaway culture. As the founder of the José Hendo brand, the Bark to the Roots (B2TR) initiative, and the R^3 Campaign, she has garnered multiple awards for her groundbreaking work.
Hendo is a fierce advocate for the use of organic eco-textiles and recycled materials in her creations, resulting in unique and often avant-garde garments and accessories. Her commitment to ethical values and environmental stewardship sets her apart in the industry.
One of Hendo's signature materials is barkcloth, a centuries-old technique that is considered the oldest cloth made by man. In fact, in 2005, barkcloth was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Material. The tree from which barkcloth is harvested regenerates its bark annually for up to sixty years, making it a truly sustainable fabric. This organic cloth, predating the weaving era, serves as the perfect ambassador for sustainability in the fashion world.
Jose Hendo's passion for eco-friendly fashion and her dedication to preserving the environment makes her a true trailblazer in the industry. We are inspired by her innovative designs and commitment to a more sustainable future!
Pitch Black is all about staying true to their roots and being authentic. They are a streetwear brand based in Uganda, with humble beginnings in Katwe Kinyoro, a vibrant slum area in the heart of Kampala. Pitch Black is dedicated to creating clothing that not only looks good, but also makes a positive impact on the communities where they operate.
The Pitch Black mission is simple yet powerful - to use their talents and creativity to help as many people as possible. Through fashion and art, they aim to inspire and uplift others.
Their ultimate goal is to be a beacon of hope for the youth, especially those from marginalised areas like the ones the founders came from. They may have started in the "ghetto", but they are determined to rise above and create opportunities for growth and success in these communities. Follow Pitch Black as they strive to make a difference and shine a light on those who need it most.
Introducing Afro Muru, a sustainable fashion brand hailing from Uganda that breathes new life into fabrics through the art of up-cycling. Their garments are a vibrant fusion of Ugandan culture and heritage, each piece telling a unique story. Founded by Murungi Kevin, is a talented multidisciplinary artist hailing from Kampala, Uganda, is making waves in the world of textile and print making. Drawing inspiration from African symbolism and textile design, Murungi's work is a vibrant celebration of his heritage and culture.
Growing up watching his mother, a skilled seamstress, create beautiful garments from scratch, Murungi was inspired to launch his own clothing brand, Afro Muru. Since its inception in 2020, Afro Muru has been guided by the expertise of his mother, Nakamatte Annet, and has embraced the slow fashion movement to stand out in the ever-evolving fashion industry.
In addition to his clothing brand, Murungi has also delved into the world of art installations, showcasing his talent at various exhibitions such as Epeyonon at Kiggundu Art Studio in Uganda and GOETHE ZENTRUM KENYA. His participation in events like the Kampala Art Festival has further solidified his reputation as an emerging artist to watch.
The debut collection of Afro Muru, titled Karamoja to The World (The Travelers), has garnered attention both locally and internationally, with features in prestigious publications like Guzangs, Kanaiza, and AfriqueNoire magazine. The brand's upcoming collection, Bahima Collection, promises to be another stunning showcase of Murungi's creativity and vision.
With his unique blend of African heritage and contemporary design, Murungi Kevin is a rising star in the world of art and fashion. Keep an eye out for Afro Muru as it continues to make its mark on the global stage!
With a passion for pushing artistic boundaries and a dedication to sustainability, Murungi Kevin is a force to be reckoned with in the world of contemporary fashion in Uganda. Afro Muru specialises in unisex clothing, specifically kimonos, pants, shorts and t-shirts all made in Uganda.
Based in London, United Kingdom, KAKAZI studio is a multidisciplinary lifestyle brand platforming the nuances of contemporary womanhood. Founder Nabisere Nicole's upbringing in both the U.K and Uganda has given her a fresh perspective on the complexities of identity and belonging. Armed with a degree from Central St Martins Womenswear, she launched KAKAZI studio in 2018 to fill a gap in the fashion industry for authentic representation of African and Caribbean experiences.
Their lifestyle products are more than just items you use every day - they're a reflection of who you are and how you choose to live your life. Each piece is carefully crafted to bring a touch of quality and individuality to your daily routine.
IGC Fashion, short for Ibrahim and Godfrey's Community Fashion, was established in 2017 by two talented Ugandan fashion designers, Kasoma Ibrahim and Katende Godfrey. Based in Kampala, Uganda, they are a fashion and costume label that draws inspiration from African heritage, nature, and culture, all while maintaining a forward-thinking and unique design aesthetic.
At IGC Fashion, they view garments as dynamic pieces of art that can communicate and challenge ideas about African cultures. The brand is passionate about using raw materials such as bark cloth, raffia, sisal, shells, and other overlooked fabrics to create one-of-a-kind garments. Their focus on craftsmanship and sustainability sets them apart, as they strive to incorporate recycling, sourcing from diverse African cultures, and a zero-waste initiative into all of their work.
In addition, IGC Fashion is dedicated to using fashion as a powerful tool for creating positive social change. This vision inspired the founders, Kasoma and Katenda, to establish the annual sustainable fashion event, Kwetu Kwanza. The name "Kwetu Kwanza" comes from Swahili and means "Ours First." In the context of IGC Fashion's philosophy, it represents our commitment to protecting the planet as their top priority. Also, founder Godfrey is the Country Coordinator for Fashion Revolution and is a force to be reckoned with within the African Fashion Sustainability movement.
Their lifestyle products are more than just items you use every day - they're a reflection of who you are and how you choose to live your life. Each piece is carefully crafted to bring a touch of quality and individuality to your daily routine.
Qwezi Beauty is a rapidly expanding beauty brand owned by Raintree Farms Limited, a social enterprise based in Masindi district, Western Uganda. Their journey began in January 2020 in Kampala, Uganda, when the founder recognized the lack of locally made natural beauty products in the market. They saw an opportunity to harness the incredible benefits of moringa oil, which were not being fully utilised by other brands.
The brand started with just the signature moringa oil, but have since expanded their product line to include cleansing bars, with more exciting products currently in development. The Qwezi Beauty range caters to all skin types, for both men and women. Qwezi Beauty offers three types of soap: the Activated Charcoal Bar, the Gentle Exfoliating Bar, and the Unscented Neutral Bar.
All of the Qwezi products are Made in Uganda are infused with various Moringa oleifera ingredients, including seed oil, seed cake (a byproduct of oil production), and leaf powder. Moringa oleifera, also known as the "drumstick tree," is a widely-cultivated medicinal crop with incredible healing properties.
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