A couple of weeks ago I read about Afia on Ecouterre and instantly fell in love with them.
Afia is a fair trade sustainable line founded by Meghan Sebold. When I read Sebold was launching Afia at a pop-up shop in New York I knew I had to visit! So I tweeted with dear Ashley of Ashley4Emergy and off we went (more on sweet, sweet Ashley another day, PROMISE).
On a trip to Ghana in 2006 Meghan Sebold was inspired by the opportunity that lay in the fabrics that existed in the markets in Ghana and impressed by the skilled seamstresses in the community. But with an education in economics Sebold realized that these beautiful goods had a very limited market in Ghana. Afia is Sebold’s way to help change that.
I have to give Meghan a BIG virtual HIGH FIVE for a couple of fantastic developments on Afia since I saw her last.
- Afia’s Online shop is OPEN-Go shop for your summer wardrobe from Afia HERE.
- Afia was featured on Refinery 29!!- If you follow me on twitter, you might have seen my excitement for Meghan last Friday, but read the Refinery 29 piece here and then enter the giveaway by liking Afia on facebook HERE.
Such great things for Afia and I’m sure there will be many, many more.
This is Meghan Sebold wearing her line Afia.
The production behind Afia feels like a labor of love and is nothing short of brilliant. The fabric vendors are from the Makola market in Accra and these local vendors immediately feel the positive impact of Afia’s bulk purchases.
(Pictures are from Afia’s facebook page: Meghan buying fabric and zippers for Afia.)
Patterns are made by designers in New York, Chicago, and West Africa then the pieces are produced in the Dzidefo Women’s Co-Op in Ghana, West Africa. This cooperative is fantastic, not only do they pay fair trade wages but they also have a system in place for growth for these workers. These seamstresses can learn new skills to move up in the ranks of this co-op.
And all this work brings you Afia. Here are some of my favorite pieces from Afia’s S/S 11. All items are available in their shop HERE.
See those cutie little fanny packs?! Mostly made from scraps of fabrics :), no waste fashion-LOVE!
Afia is another example of beautiful fashion being beautifully made. These pieces are just perfect for spring and summer and I love the modern and urban edge of this line with deep v necklines, paper bag waists and bold zippers.
I hope you all go to visit Afia’s new online store HERE.
I have to mention that there were 2 other incredibly talented women at Afia’s pop-up shop. Harper from Proud Mary Textiles and Julianna a stylist and also maker of J.M.V Jewelry.
Look out for the Proud Mary post coming soon, but while you wait you can take a look at some of their goods at their online store here and Proud Mary has pretty much been featured in every design blog I read, so check out their press page here.
If you’d like to see my other ethical shopping finds, they are all at the top of the page under “Links!-Ethical Shopping!” or “Shop for MORE” category in the sidebar.
Happy shopping, friends!
I love love love this post darling! Such beautiful fashion with heart, and I love the peak behind the scenes. Thank you for sharing! xx
Of course you know I love this post! I fell in love with Afia the moment we walked into that pop-up shop 😀
I really think what she’s doing is great and the clothes are SO CUTE. I also love the pictures from the co-ops, felt like I was getting a behind the scenes tour!
This is such an awesome line and how they are helping others and making beautiful things is so wonderfully refreshing!!!! Also I gave you a blog award!!!!!
I love the dress Meghan’s wearing. The print is wonderful – and it comes in a skirt, too. Hmmmmmm
This place looks totally awesome, and I would like to formally request one of everything.
http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88
really cool! I love all your posts on ethical fashion and fair trade and come on, those tribal prints and colors are just fantastic!
Awesome post as always. checking them out now!! 🙂
Meghan looks so beautiful in her dress!
I love their logo too.
♥ http://www.blahblahbecky.co.uk
WOW…what a beautiful post and I adore those dresses! Have a great day, my dear
Kisses and hugs
Ps: I’m hosting a cute scarf GIVEAWAY today! Just in time for summer!
Thank you so much for the lead to here shop! I love those shorts and those fanny packs!!!! I love your blog as well! I would love for you to visit my blog and tell me what you think! I hope you have a lovely day!
Much love,
NAt
Hooray for more awesome ethical companies! LOVE these fabrics! esp how they almost look faded and worn on some of them – super cute!
I never thought I’d be saying this, but wow, those fanny packs are adorable!!! The print on all these designs is just killer, thank you so much for highlighting them. Beautiful fashion for a fabulous cause, such a great way to spend!
oh i can definitely see Ghana in these pieces. everything fits so well and i adore that skirt!
I immediately love this Jamillah! My father used to bring back loads of beautiful fabrics from Ghana, I loved it so much! I’m happy that Meghan launched such a wonderful shop. These are amazing pieces. Thank you for spreading the love about this. -xxoo
oh, i like it too!
True African prints have also fascinated me. Glad to see that someone has made them accessible to a new market.
This is a great post. I love that you are supporting ethical (not to mention original) fashion! So wonderful to hear of them!
You have done a great job here!!
Beautiful post, Jamillah, and thank you again for spreading the love for ethical fashion. And I love that you have a special page for links – definitely bookmarking/stalking that, haha.
I love etsy it has some really amazing sellers and more variety than my local mall. Love the 1st outfit the most.
the place looks awesome and their creations are just beautiful…I love the patterns and the designs…
Kisses
Sweet
PensandLens
@mistytewest
i am adoring tribal prints, i really need to grab a couple pieces!
myblissisthisway.blogspot.com
I am absolutely checking out this site! In love with those gorgeous fabrics!
I love these textiles, will definitely have to check Afia out
What a wonderful cause, and gorgeous clothes, to boot!
It’s gorgeous! I love the colours.
It’s so good when something is ethically made, but you actually want to buy it because you love the piece, not just because of how it was made.
Do you know when their pop-up shop opens? I’ve decided I’m coming to New York again in July, so I’d love to go if it’s open. And I’ll keep you updated on when I’m coming so we can have date #2! Brooklyn Flea?