Since 2013, the Ethical Fashion Initiative expanded its area of work to support emerging designers from the African continent. The aim of the programme is to promote local fashion talent, encourage “Made in Africa” manufacturing with artisans and support the growth of small and medium African enterprises.
Through the Ethical Fashion Initiative, selected African fashion brands receive mentoring from fashion industry professionals and access international fashion platforms (fashion shows, pop-ups, panels etc), thus gaining exposure with industry professionals and linkages with the Ethical Fashion Initiative’s artisan network.
‘I feel extremely overwhelmed and honoured to be chosen by ITC’s Ethical Fashion Initiative to participate at Pitti Uomo 88, it feels like it will be the start of great things for me.’ - Laduma Ngxokolo, Founder and Designer, MaXhosa by Laduma
The Ethical Fashion Initiative believes in the real potential of supporting the sustainable development of the rapidly growing African fashion industry. In addition, the designers are representative of today’s youth’s effort to bring about positive change on the African continent through socially responsible businesses. Through its wide artisan network, the Initiative can contribute to the lack of qualified workers able to manufacture fashion goods at international standards. Supporting the growth of African fashion small and medium enterprises represents an opportunity to build the export capacities of fashion enterprises to trade at a regional, continental and international level.
“I thank the Ethical Fashion Initiative for the opportunity to show my collection at Pitti Uomo. EFI’s support for artisans in the African continent is commendable and I applaud the entire team for their dedication and drive in proving that it is simply opportunities that hinder success stories.” – Gozi Ochonogor, Founder and Designer, U.Mi-1
The Ethical Fashion Initiative is proud to work with some of the most contemporary and innovative fashion brands from the continent.