Zero waste, ethical fashion
When you visit Malawi you will see a lot of ladies with a colourful textile wrapped around their waist, this is the local fabric called ‘chitenje’. It is these beautiful fabrics that Mayamiko hand picks from a local cooperative of women traders to create their jumpsuits, dresses and accessories. Supporting the local community, reducing their carbon footprint and creating a limited number of unique pieces.
We visited Mayamiko's workshop in Lilongwe, where they make their clothing and run a sewing course which helps disadvantaged women. After the ladies have finished their six month course, which includes business and finance training. They have the option to buy a sewing machine, with Mayamiko covering 70% of the cost, in turn jumpstarting their own tailoring businesses.
Mayamiko's zero waste policy ensures that all materials and fabric scraps are used. The waste fabric is turned into beautiful headbands, jewellery and protective parcel bags. Their workshop is also solar powered.
Many pieces in their collections are dedicated to the people that make up the Mayamiko family: trainees, tailors, market traders and many more. Lots of Chichewa names have beautiful meanings, for example Chifundo means mercy and Mayamiko means praise.
Mayamiko's snazzy wears have been featured in Vogue, Refinery 29 and Suitcase Magazine to name a few. Unique pieces designed in beautiful fabric, by a team who care about the planet and support the local community. Check out Mayamiko here.
