Showcasing Artisanal Excellence at Lineapelle Fair in Milan

October 2, 2024
Benin, Burkina Faso, Kenya

We continue our mission to connect artisans in challenging and remote locations with global luxury brands.

For the second time this year, we participated in the prestigious Lineapelle Fair in Milan from September 17th to 19th, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of our production network in Kenya (Tujikuze and Artisan Fashion), Burkina Faso and Benin (CABES GIE).

In this last edition of Lineapelle, we had the pleasure of bringing five talented women artisans from our network to Milan, invited by Lineapelle —three from Kenya, one from Burkina Faso, and one from Benin. The women artisans held live demonstrations, showcasing their extraordinary crafts skills in fabric weaving as well as in bags and accessories production.

Kenya – coordinated by Tujikuze:

Upcycled Textile Weaving: EFI’s newly created Kenyan social enterprise TUJIKUZE presented innovations in textile upcycling, turning discarded materials into fashionable, functional products via the support of Africa Collect Textiles.
Macramé Beading: An intricate handcraft that involves knotting cords to create elaborate patterns. This technique, widely used in bags and accessories, offers a beautiful combination of texture and artistry.
Maasai Beading: Featuring traditional Maasai craftsmanship, this style of beadwork is a celebration of cultural heritage, creating stunning, colorful designs that symbolize social status and identity within Maasai communities.

Burkina Faso and Benin – coordinated by CABES GIE:

Handweaving ‘Faso Danfani’ Textile: Visitors were captivated by the artistry of organic cotton weaving of Faso Danfani textiles, by Mme Flora Lankoande founder of social enterprise CABES GIE in Burkina Faso. This unique rainfed organic cotton is grown sustainably and woven into vibrant, traditionally inspired fabrics that are a true testament to the region’s rich textile heritage.
Cotton hand Spinning: Mme Dehanatou Tairou Issa, director of Espace Tissage de Djougou in Benin, demonstrated the skillful process of transforming raw cotton seeds into beautiful thread, connecting people with the roots of sustainable, handcrafted fabrics.

A Booth Full of Energy and Innovation

EFI’s enlarged stand at Lineapelle was buzzing with excitement. The live demonstrations drew hundreds of visitors, offering a hands-on experience of the incredible manual skills that define EFI’s production and products. The feedback was positive, with many visitors interacting directly with the artisans, asking questions, and expressing genuine interest in the craftsmanship and materials on display. EFI’s emphasis on sustainable practices and social impact resonated with the fashion professionals in attendance, reinforcing the importance of ethical sourcing and artisanal craftsmanship in today’s market.