We are a couple of inspired, creatively-driven women in LA - one a graphic designer and the other an accessories and clothing designer - with the goal of creating and designing products with a purpose. We combine functionality with inspiration. But we also want to make a difference.
We are in love with hand painted mudcloth from Mali and the amazing graphic wax prints from Ghana, filled with bold design and cultural symbolism unique solely to that region. We’re intrigued by the idea of combining these African textiles with recycled and sometimes unusual American materials, such as seatbelt straps, vintage French curtain rings, reclaimed vinyl flooring and vintage belt buckles. We’re enlivened by the possibilities of mixing old forgotten materials into a combination of fashion forward accessories. Scouring the earth for just the right combination makes every item a unique combination of cleverness and thoughtfulness and a story to go with your purchase.
Making a Difference in Ghana
In the Manya Krobo region of Ghana, there is a truly wonderful organization of women called the Manya Krobo Queen Mothers Association. This is a private, non-profit group serving children and women in that area. These women, descendents of chiefs, identify potential orphans in the region and provide a matriarchal role; these children eventually become their own. Taking them out of an orphanage situation and into a home atmosphere, these children are loved, supported, and freed from the societal stigmatization associated with the HIV/AIDS virus. The Queen Mothers educate them on health, birth control, and hygiene. 370 association members have been responsible for the care and education of 466 children.
We are proud to say that proceeds from each sale of our one-of-a-kind handmade cases, bags and accessories help support the Manya Krobo Queen Mothers Association. Their motto: "Every Child Is Our Child."
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What is Mudcloth?
Bold graphics in stunning black, white and rich cocoa shades march across bolts of nubby woven cloth, some fashioned from feed sacks. Tough, thick and strong, they reflect the resilience of the culture which produced them.
Speaking to the splendid colors and patterns of the African savannah, they echo the indigenous exuberance and spontaneity of the continent and the artistry of the native men and women who craft them. An ancient creative expression dating to the 8th century Boubou robe worn by Muslim peoples of Ghana and 13th century peoples of the Mali Empire, they represent a cultural tradition largely unchanged for 13 centuries.
How It's Made
The making of mudcloth is a time-consuming process, normally taking four days to a week to complete depending on weather. Women gather the cotton and spin it into yarn. On a handheld loom, men weave it into panels typically 5" or 6" wide. After they weave 9 or so panels, they sew them together to create the fabric. The fabric is dyed in a labor-intensive process requiring layers of mud, masking off areas for design, and application of the vibrant indigo plant. Highly skilled women typically paint and design the mudcloth, using a combination of organic dyes and fixatives.
Each color and all the symbols have special meanings, proverbs, and stories, specific to the people who created them. Mudcloth is meant to be interpreted.
How We Use It
We take the results of this artistic process and combine the mudcloth with stunning graphic cotton prints from Ghana to create all of the products you see.
The textiles full of vibrant color and rich patterns feature ancient Adinkra symbols filled with symbolism and spiritual meanings, such as unity, love, hope and fertility.
The unique juxtaposition of heavy bold mudcloth with the colorfully bold graphic prints have become our trademark.