The handiwork of traditional artists in Africa and India is showcased through the eco-friendly, fair trade label Nkuku.
The company came about when its creators spent a year traveling and working around Africa and India. During their travels they met artisans with incredible skills living in poor conditions. They worked to develop the skills of the people they met and promote the products they created. The company even became a member of the World Fair Trade Organization, which is your guarantee that their artisans really do enjoy fair wages and working conditions.
Nkuku’s unique name comes from the one of the Zambian villages it supports. Artisans in this village, and others like it, combine their traditional craft techniques with a modern design approach to create handbags, apparel, accessories, and homewares loved by contemporary women.
The products are all made using natural materials and sustainable techniques to give them that eco-friendly edge. Nkuku’s craftspeople work with a variety of green materials including recycled cotton paper, recycled wool, recycled saris, sustainable mango wood, recycled glass, and natural dyes.
I particularly love the Myla bag pictured, with its blend of naturally dyed cotton and leather panels. Each one is made by a collection of 400 women working in Southern India. These craftspeople previously relied on seasonal labor to support their community, but thanks to Nkuku they can enjoy an income all year round.
Nkuku’s fair trade fashion and home items are available through the company’s website.
