A stage for craft by Ghanaian Creative Director Richmond Orlando Mensah of Manju Journal for the Ethical Fashion Initiative
From February 25th to 27th, for the 6th consecutive time, the Ethical Fashion Initiative participated in the prestigious LINEAPELLE fair in Milan to present the work of our social enterprise partners and showcase the extraordinary craftsmanship of our production network in Kenya and Burkina Faso.
At center stage: handwoven baskets in natural fibers, bags and sandals made in handwoven up-cycled textiles and leather goods produced in Kenya alongside unique handwoven Faso Danfani fabrics in GOTS certified organic and rainfed cotton from Burkina Faso.
We highlighted our work in West Africa which specializes in a range of traditional and sustainable textiles by working with organic cotton to produce handwoven textiles, creating mud cloth, indigo dyeing, tie-dye, and batik techniques, utilizing natural dyes, and providing comprehensive cut and sew services.
This year’s stand was brought to life by the talented Ghanaian curator Richmond Orlando Mensah, Founder of Manju Journal, who created a stunning atmosphere of deep red tones, perfectly highlighting the beauty of artisanal craftsmanship. Richmond Orlando Mensah is a creative consultant, director, and cultural curator specializing in photography, contemporary art, and fashion, with a strong focus on African heritage, innovation, and underrepresented talents. His work bridges African heritage with contemporary narratives through strategic collaborations, connecting progressive brands and institutions to wider, authentic audiences while fostering opportunities for growth.
Our participation received enthusiastic feedback, with visitors showing strong interest in the artisans’ work and the stories behind each creation. The Ethical Fashion Initiative’s commitment to sustainability and social impact continues to resonate with industry professionals, reinforcing the relevance of responsible sourcing and authentic craftsmanship in today’s market. The participating social enterprises remain open to new collaborations and are ready to receive production orders from fashion brands seeking high-quality, ethically made products.
SPECIAL INTERVIEW WITH RICHMOND ORLANDO MENSAH ABOUT HIS COLLABORATION WITH EFI
HOW DID YOU DISCOVER EFI?
“I first came across the Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) in 2017 through Instagram, captivated by their collaborations with Studio 189 and EDUN. As the founder of MANJU Journal, I was particularly drawn to EFI’s commitment to sustainable craftsmanship, ethical production, and the empowerment of artisans across Africa. Their work in bridging heritage techniques with contemporary design while creating meaningful economic opportunities for local communities deeply resonated with my own mission. Over the years, I’ve followed their impact in fostering global collaborations, amplifying underrepresented creative voices, and shaping a more responsible fashion ecosystem—one that prioritizes both cultural integrity and innovation.”
WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS & INSPIRATIONS FOR THIS PROJECT?
“As a scenographer for EFI at Lineapelle, I adopted a minimalistic approach, emphasizing craftsmanship,sustainability, and cultural heritage. Inspired by deep red tones derived from natural dyes, the design provided a refined yet immersive sehing that resonated with EFI’s ethos. The display showcased a curated selection of ethically crafted accessories, bags, and leather goods, highlighting the skill, innovation, and unique narratives of EFI artisans particularly from Kenya and Burkina Faso. Every element—from the spatial arrangement to the material choices—was designed to enhance the tactile experience, allowing the craftsmanship to take center stage. This experience reinforced the impact of thoughtful spatial storytelling in elevating artisanal work to a global audience while fostering deeper engagement with ethical fashion.”
About Tujikuze
Tujikuze is a social impact enterprise based in Kenya with a game-changing approach to apparel & accessory production for fashion and lifestyle brands & retailers. By connecting the worlds of African craftsmanship with global fashion, Tujikuze actively shapes a more sustainable future for fashion while fostering social and economic change in the communities it supports. Learn more here.
About Cabes
Founded in 2014, CABES (Commerce et Artisanat, pour le Bien Être Social) is a network of 91 associations and nearly 2,400 artisans, mostly women, who specialize in transforming GOTS-certified organic cotton into the quintessence of Burkinabe textile Faso Dan Fani. We specialize in the production of traditional West African textiles. Learn more here.
About Artisan Fashion
Founded in 2009 with the support of the EFI in Kenya. They produce and reliably deliver collections of jewellery, homeware, bags and accessories for Luxury and fashion brands right across the world. Learn more here.
In Kenya, EFI is supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
In West Africa, EFI is supported by the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and the Pacific States (OACPS) under the ACP – Business Friendly Programme.
