Can Fashion + Sustainability Go Together? African Designers Prove it Can
It’s no secret that the fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. Did you know it takes 2,700 liters of water to make just ONE t-shirt? Footwear is definitely included in this category. Think about how many shoes you’ve been through in your life thus far. And how many pairs of shoes do you own?
It’s not just our plastic bottles that end up in the ocean, but our cheaply-made clothes and shoes. CNN Africa reports MILLIONS of flip flops polluting the water and washing ashore in Kenya, affecting their beaches and sea-life. Sure flip flops, (like that $3 Forever 21 shirt) are convenient and most importantly cheap. But these shoes come with a price.
So, can fashion and sustainability really go together?? Here are three African brands that prove that eco-friendly footwear is just the beginning:
Oliberte
In 2009, Tal Dehtiar started Oliberte. An Ethiopian based footwear line, Dehtiar wanted to change how the world envisions Africa, and what Africa can contribute to not just the fashion world, but towards an eco-conscious future. “It’s not just about showing people that Africans can work and compete and create stuff, but also that under the harshest conditions, we can make the most responsible product the world has ever seen that can take care of its people” he told Vogue.
In September 2013, Oliberte also became the world’s first Fair Trade Certified™ footwear manufacturing factory! With shoes available for women, men and kids, check out how their shoes are made:
HEEL THE WORLD:
After being told that quality shoes couldn’t be made in Africa, Fred Deegbe proved it could. Launching in 2011, Heel the World incorporates African shoemaking methods such as the weaving skills used for kente cloth and materials to create their high-end shoes.
SAWA:
Alright sneakerheads, this last one’s for you. Designed and manufactured in Ethiopia, Sawa sneakers proves that it can use local economy goods in a way that is both sustainable and ethical to produce high-quality shoes. Founded in 2009 by Mehdi Slimani, there’s a pair for everyone!
