Discover Okapi Here

The Brand Bio

Designer:

Hanneli Rupert

Young Global Leader, World Economic Forum

Business of Fashion 500

Established:

2008

Headquarters:

South Africa

Country of Manufacture:

South Africa

Named after the elusive antelope known as the African unicorn, Okapi was launched in 2008 by Hanneli Rupert. The brand is one of Africa's first true luxury brands. Every aspect of an Okapi design is manufactured locally with selected partners, ensuring that each element is entirely traceable, sustainable and ethically sourced. 100% of the chains, horns, labels, leathers, linings and packaging are made and sourced in South Africa. By being involved in every step of the process, Okapi constantly strives to create lasting job opportunities and skills growth, whilst ensuring the highest possible standards.

Ethics and Aesthetics

Highlights from Okapi's environmental, social, and personal commitments

Environmental Commitments

Animal-friendly, Cruelty-free

Ensures that animal-based materials are from cruelty-free suppliers that trak animal welfare
No animal testing: prohibits the testing of products or ingredients on animals
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
Ethical sourcing of feathers: does not use feathers or down obtained from the live plucking of birds

Environmental Conservation Efforts and Practices

Protects the local environment and its biodiversity in the areas of operation
Uses water respectfully and aims to reduce its water consumption
Collects scrap materials and/or by-products from its own production for outside recycling and/or repurposing

Ethical Sourcing of Raw Materials

Raw materials originating from nature are sourced from sustainably managed ecosystems
Materials used are CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) certified
Sources gold and diamonds responsibly, from operations that do not have a harmful impact on communities and wildlife

Sustainable Product Design

Considers social and environmental factors during the design process and product development stages
Designs its products to last and withstand many wears over the years

Ethical and Sustainable Production / Manufacturing

Manufacturing and Production Processes

Okapi's factory is in South Africa, local to its country of origin / business operations, reducing its carbon footprint
Sources 100% of its raw materials and labour locally
Works with recognized ethical factories
Provides employment opportunities for marginalized communities through its production
Manufactures its collections and products in limited quantities, avoiding mass production

Design and Material Innovation

Okapi's is involved in the development of innovative, sustainable fabrics - springbok horn is sourced as a bi-product of existing farming practices. By incorporating this and blesbok, into their products, Okapi is taking what would be waste to create something beautiful and provide sustainable 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
Provides training to artisans that are part of its supply chain

Fair Trade Practices

Has a policy in place that requires knowledge of its suppliers’ social and environmental practices
Suppliers pay fairly: ensures that its suppliers pay employees ad subcontractors the local minimum and/or living wage
No child or forced labour: supplier/s have policies in place preventing any child and/or forced labour

Product Safety Assurance

Products do not use finishes, paints, and/or adhesives containing Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content
Products are PVC-free
Uses non-toxic dyes for its fabrics and other materials

Traceable Supply and Manufacturing Chain

Has policies and systems in place to maintain knowledge of and manage relationships within its supply chains
Utilizes its own vertically integrated facilities for the production of its collections and products
Publicly discloses its supply chain / supplier list

Handcrafted, Artisanal

Products are handcrafted in Okapi's own studio or factory
Products are handcrafted by Okapi's partner artisans or manufacturers
Okapi's handcrafted products provide livelihood for small communities in South Africa

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share with you the UN Sustainable Development Goals supported by Okapi

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Take a peek into the world of Okapi

Discover Okapi Here

The Brand Bio

Designer:

Hanneli Rupert

Young Global Leader, World Economic Forum

Business of Fashion 500

Established:

2008

Headquarters:

South Africa

Country of Manufacture:

South Africa

Ethics and Aesthetics

Highlights from Okapi's environmental, social, and personal commitments

Environmental Commitments

Animal-friendly, Cruelty-free

Ensures that animal-based materials are from cruelty-free suppliers that trak animal welfare
No animal testing: prohibits the testing of products or ingredients on animals
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
Ethical sourcing of feathers: does not use feathers or down obtained from the live plucking of birds

Environmental Conservation Efforts and Practices

Protects the local environment and its biodiversity in the areas of operation
Uses water respectfully and aims to reduce its water consumption
Collects scrap materials and/or by-products from its own production for outside recycling and/or repurposing

Ethical Sourcing of Raw Materials

Raw materials originating from nature are sourced from sustainably managed ecosystems
Materials used are CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) certified
Sources gold and diamonds responsibly, from operations that do not have a harmful impact on communities and wildlife

Sustainable Product Design

Considers social and environmental factors during the design process and product development stages
Designs its products to last and withstand many wears over the years

Ethical and Sustainable Production / Manufacturing

Manufacturing and Production Processes

Okapi's factory is in South Africa, local to its country of origin / business operations, reducing its carbon footprint
Sources 100% of its raw materials and labour locally
Works with recognized ethical factories
Provides employment opportunities for marginalized communities through its production
Manufactures its collections and products in limited quantities, avoiding mass production

Design and Material Innovation

Okapi's is involved in the development of innovative, sustainable fabrics - springbok horn is sourced as a bi-product of existing farming practices. By incorporating this and blesbok, into their products, Okapi is taking what would be waste to create something beautiful and provide sustainable 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
Provides training to artisans that are part of its supply chain

Fair Trade Practices

Has a policy in place that requires knowledge of its suppliers’ social and environmental practices
Suppliers pay fairly: ensures that its suppliers pay employees ad subcontractors the local minimum and/or living wage
No child or forced labour: supplier/s have policies in place preventing any child and/or forced labour

Product Safety Assurance

Products do not use finishes, paints, and/or adhesives containing Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content
Products are PVC-free
Uses non-toxic dyes for its fabrics and other materials

Traceable Supply and Manufacturing Chain

Has policies and systems in place to maintain knowledge of and manage relationships within its supply chains
Utilizes its own vertically integrated facilities for the production of its collections and products
Publicly discloses its supply chain / supplier list

Handcrafted, Artisanal

Products are handcrafted in Okapi's own studio or factory
Products are handcrafted by Okapi's partner artisans or manufacturers
Okapi's handcrafted products provide livelihood for small communities in South Africa.