After witnessing the poor conditions of residents of the Giota Garbage Slum in Nakuru, Kenya, designer Ryan Clements knew he had to do his bit to help out. And so he created Fashion. Love. Africa, an accessories company that provides jobs for the women living in the poor African community.
The women take plastic bags from the garbage slum, disinfect them, and turn them into brand new fashionable purses. Every one is knitted by hand to guarantee their quality. I’m really impressed by the patterns knitted into the purses, including tweed and zebra print. The totes share their names with the women who make them, so you can remember exactly where each one came from and who your purchase is helping.
The income the African women earn gives them hope in a place where this is a precious commodity. Here more than half of the residents are HIV positive, and other diseases are rife. Prostitution is one of the most common professions, and women are frequently abused and raped. Through their association with Fashion. Love. Africa, these women and their children can aspire to a better quality of life.
Fashion. Love. Africa further supports the African community by donating $10 from every $50 bag sold to projects supporting medical aid, child sponsorship, and relocation. That’s a significant investment that has the potential to do great things in this area that needs so much help.
