An Ode to Kenyan Craftsmanship
"Kenya is fast becoming a vibrant heart of conscious creativity. We’re so excited to introduce incredible new brands from here — each one telling a story of craft, community, and purpose. This season, we’re also spotlighting a beautiful UK-Kenyan collaboration with a women’s workshop in Kenya — a true reflection of the global spirit we love at Gather&See."
The country is an important part of the Gather&See story, with co-founder Steph being based there, so it means a lot to be able to shine a light on some amazing Kenyan designers and artisans that we are currently working with. This season we are working with four brands producing pieces in Kenya - Hamaji, Mopepe, VAST and LPOL who have created an exclusive collection of woven bags.
Hamaji - meaning Nomad in coastal Swahili - is a luxury ethical bohemian designer label created around preserving ancient textile traditions and nomadic craftsmanship while empowering local small scale artisans in Africa. The collection supports local artisan families throughout the country with a focus on female empowerment in rural Kenya. Made in the foothills of Mount Kenya Hamaji use up-cycled vintage fabrics and sustainably sourced natural fibres.
MOPEPE emerged from a shared passion for celebrating Africa’s rich textile heritage and transforming ancient traditions into contemporary garments. Founded by designers from Benin and Congo, the brand harmoniously combines diverse cultural influences, skilled craftsmanship, and artistic expression to create clothing that honours the past while envisioning the future. The pieces are designed and crafted in Kenya using traditional techniques.
VAST's signature textiles are a testament to timeless craftsmanship, woven with 100% traditional handwoven cotton by skilled artisans across Africa. Rooted in conscious design, each fabric embodies sustainability, cultural heritage, and the artistry of slow fashion. With every thread, VAST honors tradition while creating ethically made textiles for a more mindful future.
LPOL's latest collection new collection celebrates wonderfully talented makers, from England and Kenya. Developed and crafted in partnership with an all-female basket weavers group, these incredible women live and work in an agricultural region of South-Eastern Kenya. Supported by Hadithi Crafts – a not-for-profit organisation – local women are encouraged to nourish their craft skills and then empowered to use them as a creative and environmentally sustainable way to make a living. Each basket is then finished in the workshop in England using chrome-free leather to add additional structure, functionality and longevity.
