Founded by husband-and-wife duo Simba Nyawiri and Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, Vanhu Vamwe is an accessory brand focused on blending traditional African craftsmanship with sustainable practices and luxury fashion. As founders of their brand, they focused their company around people, working with rural artists in marginalized communities, to bridge culture and design. Their mission extends beyond one-of-a-kind accessories, aiming to empower local artisans by preserving ancestral techniques and materials. Through ethical sourcing and creative design, Vanhu Vamwe is a showcase of Africa’s cultural heritage while maintaining values of sustainability and social responsibility within the fashion industry.
With a strong emphasis on transparency, Vanhu Vamwe uses eco-friendly materials in every made-to-order bag. From natural sea-grass to vegetable-tanned leather, and paracord made from 100% recyclable PET bottles, every material is specifically chosen for its low environmental impact and multi-functional use. These materials, while important for a sustainable process, help support rural factories and villages in both South America and Africa. Designed to serve as a form of storytelling, each bag is built to withstand the test of time, intended to become a cherished heirloom its owner can pass down through generations.
Each artisan in the Vanhu Vamwe team is tasked with a dedicated bag design, individually created through locally sourced materials. While an incredibly intricate process, this customization is meant to encourage consumers to appreciate the process behind slow fashion. Celebrating the individuality and authenticity within every piece. In an article with Lioness of Africa, Co-founder Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri states, “I pride myself on being a storyteller. My products are not just handbags - instead, they are made to inspire and reveal a deeper story than at first meets the eye. I am very big on concepts and spend months before I even design anything undertaking in-depth research, design development, and ensuring that I deliver products that touch someone's soul. I resent mass production, and therefore even when I make three versions of the same bags, I always ensure there is some detail that is different from the others. That humanness should be reflected (mark of the hand), and I feel in this way people connect more to the products.” Beyond her commitment to maintaining eco-conscious practices, Samasuwo-Nyawiri has dedicated herself to supporting local labor, with the belief that talent is abundant across Africa and should be used to uplift communities both financially and emotionally.
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The Recent Dreamers and Travellers collection features the work of local Zimbabwe macramé weavers who utilize paracord to craft each piece. Designed for versatility, these bags can be either worn as a statement accessory or put on display in the owner's home allowing for another touch of individuality in every creation. This collection known for its trademark use of tassels and rich colors can be found in a range of styles from an everyday tote bag to a statement clutch.
As for what's next for Vanhu Vamwe, Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri recently answered in an interview, “This year, I am venturing into a couture clothing collection for high fashion editorial, consisting of just 15 unique pieces, each one available only as a precious sole item. I will be experimenting with yarn into knitwear, exploring that other side of my fashion design interest which I love the most.” Alongside this, Samasuwo-Nyawiri has helped curate the programme 54faces empowering young people in Africa to delve into entrepreneurship by providing essential tools for up-and-coming designers. 54 Faces was recently featured on the United Nations Volunteer Website, praising the programme for its impact on social media and its dialogue on the topic of African identities.
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To support Vanhu Vamwe and shop their line of artisanal accessories click here, and explore a variety of eye-catching handbags, totes, clutches, and cross-bodies.
About the Author: Grace Chittick is a Marketing and Public Relations Intern at ADJOAA, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Integrated Marketing Education with a minor in Public Relations at DePaul University.
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