Share FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail 153 “Fabric is a form of art; fabric is part of the art of your body,” said Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) founder Simone Cipriani, who held a discussion this week for New York Textile Month at Parsons School of Design. In a small lecture center with an audience of approximately 60 people, Cipriani led an intimate seminar about EFI, his work experience in many African countries and how their artisans’ hand-weaving, dyeing and textile techniques have a place in today’s fashion industry. More Articles You Would Love Weiz Dhurm Franklyn Presents His SS’16 ‘Lady En Baroque’ Collection HotShots: Sunset Musings With Deborah Vanessa! Shot By Riversky Photography Launched in 2009 by Cipriani, EFI brings together African artisans and designers as a development solution. African artisans improve their lives by producing luxury sustainable accessories, garments and footwear for today’s popular fashion designers. Together, both entities establish a more environmentally-friendly fashion industry. With its roots in Kenya, EFI today is also located in six other nations, including Burkina Faso and Mali, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti and West Bank. In these countries, local artisans are responsible for the initiative’s innovative designs, including traditional methods that highlight tribal heritage. Cipriani explained two unique processes that African artisans use: hand-weaving cotton and Bogolan dyeing. Traditional looms are used by African artisans in many nations, including Burkina Faso, to hand-weave cotton into beautiful fashion products. Woven fabric from this nation is often found in a tartan design. Hailing from Mali, Bogolan is an ancient dyeing method used by two local tribes. Mud is collected from river beds, seasoned for one year and then the dyer applies the earthy material to the fabric. When removed and washed, it leaves a beautiful black color behind. In Burkina Faso and Mali, EFI works with artisans from the capital of Burkina Faso Bobo and Ouagadougou. The initiative also established many textile collaborations over the years, including EFI x United Arrows, EFI x Vivienne Westwood and EFI Burkina Faso x Elijah Green. Each collection combines African artisans’ culture with high-fashion items, including handbags and trendy apparel. More partnerships are expected and Cipriani anticipates that Ethical Fashion Initiative will expand to other countries, including Brazil, India and Peru. Click Here to Visit our Fashion Boutique. Hot Add to cart Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist Dashiki / Angelina Print Crop Top & Shorts OutfitRated 4.00 out of 5 $75.00 Hot Select options Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist Outfit With Kente Stripe To The MiddleRated 3.00 out of 5 $90.00 Hot Add to cart Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist Dashiki / Angelina Print Top $50.00 Ghana Look Books ethical fashionethical fashion initiativefashioninitiative Share FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail Abigail Oluwakemi I'm a fashion stylist turned blogger, I hope you love my work. More For You “There Is A Risk Europe Could Die” Macron Speaks Shortly After Losing Control... PICS: “A Bald Woman Knows Her Kingdom” Gorgeous Top African Model Ayen Monica... #OOTD: Rutie B Hits Us With A Perfectly Stylish ‘Break-Out-The-Norm’ Top & Down... Nigerian Designer Uduak & Asiko Artist Recreate Yoruba Mythology & Gods in Stunning... Trashy Rap Star ‘Megan The Stallion’ Is Being Sued By Her Camera For... #OOTD: Nigeria’s Prudential Atelier Shakes Up The Internet With This Astonishing Wedding Guest... VIDEOS: King Promise & Sarkodie Show Men How To Drip In Kente &... FCCPC Shuts Down Chinese Supermarket In Nigeria That Banned Nigerians From Entering VIDEO: Watch Exclusive Designs You Missed At The Just Ended SA Fashion Week... #OOTD: Shams Berry Merges Elegance & Sultriness in Magbrien’s Striking Bustier Ensemble Leave a Comment Cancel ReplyYou must be logged in to post a comment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.