Raffia Over Runway: Nigerian Designer Champions Sustainable Fashion
In a world dominated by fast fashion and synthetic fabrics, Nigerian designer Abasiekeme Ukanireh is taking a bold stand for eco-friendly alternatives. Her fashion label, based in Nigeria, is built entirely around the use of raffia – a natural fiber harvested from palm trees. While fast fashion contributes to overflowing landfills like the Dandora dumpsite in Kenya, Ukanireh’s work offers a striking alternative: handcrafted, biodegradable garments that are as eco-conscious as they are elegant.
Eco-Friendly Fashion with Natural Fibers and Dyes
Ukanireh’s creative process is rooted in nature. She uses raffia for her designs, while also sourcing natural dyes from ingredients like kola nuts to achieve vibrant colors. Her first creation – a jacket with raffia accents – has since evolved into full outfits that are both durable and distinctive. Each piece is handmade, ensuring uniqueness and longevity. On the runway, her raffia dresses are widely admired showstoppers. Though priced at the equivalent of over €200, these garments are designed to last for years, challenging the throwaway culture of modern fashion.
Fashion That Respects the Planet
The global fashion industry is responsible for up to 10% of climate-changing emissions, but designers like Ukanireh are proving that change is possible. By choosing natural materials and encouraging consumers to invest in long-lasting clothing, she’s helping to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint. Her work is more than just fashion – it’s a movement toward mindful consumption and ecological responsibility. As more designers and consumers embrace this ethos, the likes of Ukanireh are setting an example for a more sustainable future.
