lemlem

Founded in 2007 by Ethiopian supermodel and maternal health advocate Liya Kebede, Lemlem is an artisan-driven brand created to preserve traditional Ethiopian weaving and create economic opportunities for local artisans. During a trip to her native country, Kebede discovered that local weavers were losing their livelihoods as demand for their handmade textiles declined, inspiring her to create a market for their craft. The brand's name means “to bloom and flourish” in the Amharic language, reflecting its mission to empower artisans and foster economic growth in Africa. The collections, made entirely in Africa, feature breezy, handwoven cotton caftans, dresses, swimwear, and separates known for their vibrant stripes and intricate 'tibeb' patterns. While founded on Ethiopian weaving, Lemlem has expanded its production to include ready-to-wear from Kenya and swimwear from Morocco. The brand has gained global recognition through collaborations with companies like H&M and is sold in over 150 retailers worldwide. A portion of sales benefits the Lemlem Foundation, which supports women's health and empowerment programs in Africa.