Discover Muzungu Sisters Here

The Brand Bio

Founders:

Dana Alikhani and Tatiana Casiraghi

Established:

2011

Headquarters:

London, UK

Countries of Manufacture:

Colombia, Greece, Hungary, India, Italy, Morocco, Peru, South Africa, Uzbekistan and others

Muzungu Sisters was founded by friends Dana Alikhani and Tatiana Casiraghi. By merging their ideas and passions, Dana and Tatiana have provided the global market with exclusive products handcrafted in a sustainable manner, by local artisans from diverse cultures. In promoting Muzungu Sisters products, they shine a light on the rare artistry found in artisan communities, stimulate those local economies, and encourage consumers to view artisan-crafted goods as wearable items that never go out of style.

The brand currently offers ethically-sourced handmade luxury, produced by 18 different artisan communities across four continents. In October 2014 at the United Nations Secretariat in New York, UN NGO Women Together awarded Muzungu Sisters with their annual Fashion for Development Award for bringing artisan-crafted fashion to the forefront of international consumer trade. Previously, in 2012, Muzungu Sisters received Spain's TELVA magazine annual Fashion Sustainability and Solidarity Award.

Muzungu Sisters pieces are timeless heirlooms that are designed to be kept for generations. Dana and Tatiana have traveled across the world to find the most unusual, beautiful, sustainable fabrics; the best embroiderers, weavers and ateliers. Their items never go out of style, and are designed to be worn year after year.

Ethics and Aesthetics

Highlights from Muzungu Sister's environmental, social, and personal commitments

Environmental Commitments

Animal-friendly, Cruelty-free

No endangered species: does not use materials or substances from species listed as endangered by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
Angora-free: does not use angora in its supply chain

Environmental Conservation Efforts and Practices

Collects scrap materials and/or by-products from its own production for outside recycling and/or repurposing

Sustainable Product Design

Designs its products to last and withstand many wears over the years
Designs its products to be recycled or reused

Ethical Sourcing of Raw Materials

Uses natural and/or biodegradable fabrics in its collections and products
Uses organic materials in its production
Uses recycled materials
Only uses OEKO-TEX® certified silks and handwoven organic cotton
Fur (shearling Mongolian sheep) is ethically sourced

Ethical and Sustainable Production / Manufacturing

Manufacturing and Production Processes

Sources 1-25% of its raw materials and labour with local, independent suppliers
Sources products from 18 different countries
Works with recognised ethical factories
Provides employment opportunities for marginalised communities through its production
Manufactures its collections and products in limited quantities, avoiding mass production
Practices digital textile printing to minimise wastage
The brand works with many small production facilities, promoting employment, and artisans from all over the world, supporting traditional crafts while creating jobs

Personal and Social Commitments

Good Corporate Governance

Fair pay: All employees and subcontractors are paid the local minimum and/or living wage
Committed to and has policies / standards in place to ensure responsible labour practices and conditions (e.g. Code of Conduct)
Equal employment: ensures its hiring and employment practices do not, in any way, discriminate
Ensures safe working conditions for all employees

Product Safety Assurance

Products are PVC-free
Uses non-toxic dyes for its fabrics and other materials

Fair Trade Practices

No child or forced labour: supplier/s have policies in place preventing any child and/or forced labour

Traceable Supply and Manufacturing Chain

Has policies and systems in place to maintain knowledge of and manage relationships within its supply chain
Publicly discloses its supply chain / supplier list

Handcrafted, Artisanal

Products are handcrafted by their partner artisans or manufacturers
The brand's handcrafted products provide livelihood for small communities around the world

Relevé Fashion in partnership with

share with you the UN Sustainable Development Goals supported by Muzungu Sisters

The State of the Art

Take a peek into the world of Muzungu Sisters