Made In Kenya - The Journey Continues

Each collection calls for diligence. An affinity towards the craft — but also to its people. In prolonging our engagement with local producers from marginalised 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.”

Since 2015, our Made in Kenya collection has been supported by a local social enterprise, Artisan Fashion, which specialises in the production of high-end accessories with community groups of artisans in Kenya. “We want to spark a conversation around the adverse effects of fast fashion – and what it’s doing to our environment,” offers Violet Njoki, Community Liaison officer at Artisan Fashion. Kenya is the major importer of second-hand clothes, importing nearly 200,000 tons each year, to be sold at the dedicated Mitumba markets. The issue is that much of this textile waste ends up in dump sites, or even burnt on open fires (along riverbeds and washed out into the sea) with severe consequences on both local people and the environment. Our patchwork tote bags are among the pieces making use of second-hand garments, fabricated from deconstructed jeans.