Founded in 2011 by Mahlet Afework, Mafi Mafi relies on traditional Ethiopian fabrics and techniques for its contemporary designs.

Mafi, one of Ethiopia’s most recognized designers won a contest organized by Creative Futures. Known to work with exclusively hand woven fabrics, Mafi as a winner of the competition  showcased her work at the Hub of Africa 2017, an event that showcases the works of well know as well as up and coming fashion designers,

The competition was juried by Waridi Schrobsdorff, Founder and CEO Fashion Africa 254, Sara Maino, Senior Editor Vogue Italia and Head of Vogue Talents and Julia Sattler, Director Goethe-Institut Addis Abeba.

Mafi’s ability to use only traditional materials while at the same time making it appeal to the modern women and the fact that she has already developed her own signature for her work is one of the reasons she won the contest.

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“Mafi’s interpretation of African tradition and colors is transformed in a modern vision that can be worn daily,” Sara Maino, Senior Editor Vogue Italia and Head of Vogue Talents. Director of the Goethe-Institut Addis Ababa also stated that “Our aim is to connect people. Mafi and an international buyer – we are excited to see where this combination will lead us to.”

Mafi creates clothing and accessories which are fresh and cutting-edge and at the same time very wearable. Working with hand-woven fabrics is a way for Mafi to give back and to support women weavers who are often marginalized within the male-dominated weaving community.

The connection between hand-woven fabrics and Ethiopian culture and history is something Mafi explores in her work. Culture and tradition can sometimes become as essential and as invisible as air. Pushing herself creatively Mafi produces contemporary pieces with ancient fabrics, giving visibility to the diversity and depth of Ethiopian culture and tradition.

After careers in modeling and rapping, Afework turned to fashion after learning about her craft via Google and YouTube videos.

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While the brand employs skilled female weavers in Ethiopia, in a TED Talk last year, Afework said that Ethiopian fashion is not just about paying homage to its ancestors, but also about creating sustainable jobs in a struggling economy.

“In Ethiopia we have more than 500 underemployed female weavers in each village. We have a responsibility to give them a job – and then show their work to the world,” she said.

For Afework, her home and her heritage are the driving force behind her creations.

“Every season I try to tell these stories with my collections – I try to learn more about Ethiopia and its beautiful culture,” she said, speaking to CNN. “It’s where we come from, it’s in our blood.”

Content Courtesy Of Capital Ethiopia , Industrie Africa & Nairobi Fashion Hub