Shoes crafted from traditional fabrics of Asia, Africa, and South America are capturing global attention—and many support vital social causes.
Repetto joined forces with music and fashion stars Stromae and M (Matthieu Chedid) in a swift two-month collaboration. Last month, Stromae and his wife, Coralie Barbier, via their Mosaert label, launched a clothing collection inspired by Japan. These Asian prints contrast Stromae's usual African fabric motifs.
Traditional African Fabrics
This month, Matthieu Chedid elevates Repetto's "Zizi" model with traditional African fabrics. From April 25, M aims to outfit "Americanized Nike kids from head to toe." All profits benefit the Donko Seko association, aiding at-risk youth in Mali through dance.
The ethical brand Panafrica debuts a new website this month, featuring shoes wrapped in authentic West African fabrics—not cheap Chinese imitations. Produced in Morocco with fair labor practices, Panafrica donates profits to education initiatives in Burkina Faso, Benin, and Cameroon. The brand is also exploring eco-responsible shifts.
Traditional South American Fabrics
Inkkas handcrafts shoes using traditional South American fabrics, empowering Peruvian communities while honoring the environment. They offer a vegan line and plant a tree for every pair sold. Style and impact have rarely aligned so seamlessly!
