Ukundi Video1.wmv

Ukundi: An Ethical Fashion Project

I was working in Tanzania at the Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development in Tanzania doing research. While I was there I met a Masters student named Laura Shayo who is from northern Tanzania.

We both liked to shop and look at the African fabric (khanga, kitenge) and jewelry together. Laura knew lots of things about how they were made and what they meant. We came up with this fun idea to bring some items to Canada to sell.

All proceeds go to support East African Educators and Education.

All the jewelry and clothes are handmade and fairtrade. Laura and I know each of the craftspeople very well and in many cases discussed our own design ideas with them. As often as we could we supported female craftspeople.

The magazine beads for example were made by 2 sisters in Dar Es Salaam that have a shop in an area called Mwenge. The beads are made by wrapping pieces of magazine around and around and then laquering them. On some of the beads you can see little pieces of the words.

Thanks for supporting our little project. We have had fun doing this and hope that it will impact people beyond ourselves and expose Canadians to some of the beautiful creations from East Africa!

PS Ukundi means love in Kichagga, Lauras tribal language.

All photographs by Maggie Daugela and Germinus Nyeho Paul

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• chagga
• ethical fashion
• Tanzania. Ukundi
• khanga
• kitenge
• summer dresses
• skirts

[Sagarete]

This Spring we will be at:

June 5 noon-8pm: WESTVIEW VILLAGE SUMMER SHOPPING/TRADESHOW 10770 Winterburn Road NW Edmonton AB( Westview Community Hall)

June 12 11am-7pm: GET READY FOR SUMMER SHOPPING EVENT BATURYN COMMUNITY HALL, 10505-172 AVENUE, EDMONTON

[Sagarete]

As Ukundi is a very new project for us we do not yet have a catalogue. This is a test year for us and if it continues past this year we will be putting together a catalogue. Summer dresses are $55 and $65, skirts are $40 and $45, jewelry ranges from $3-$25, bags/totes range from $20-$35.

There are more picture posted on facebook. To find them simply search Ukundi.