Ethiopian supermodel Liya Kebede is giving back to her homeland with her ethical fashion label Lemlem.
The brand was launched in 2007, but after Kebede modeled the clothes and accessories in this month’s Vogue Lemlem’s getting a lot more attention. It came out of Kebede’s desire to preserve her country’s weaving traditions and provide employment for the people of Ethiopia.
“They don’t have a market anymore. I wanted to give them a way to showcase their art and get money from it,” she explained.
Since its inception as a children’s apparel line, Lemlem has grown to include women’s clothing, handbags, scarves, wraps, and more. Each item is made using traditional embroidered fabrics handcrafted from a cotton rayon blend.
Lemlem goods, including this Tibeb Bag, are available in selected boutiques in the United States and around the world and online at the brand’s website.
