I would wear Osei-Duro every day if I could. Their transparency model is exactly what we look for in a partner. They're candid about the challenges and philosophical struggles a conscious apparel company faces. They don't sugarcoat the realities of production, despite their mission to be a force for good.
We look forward to bringing you more product and a more intimate portrait into their business in the future. Below is an excerpt from their current "about" page from osei-duro.com:
"Osei-Duro was founded in 2011 by Maryanne Mathias and Molly Keogh. The company is based in Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Accra. We currently produce textiles and garments in Ghana, India and Peru, applying traditional techniques to simple contemporary designs.
Born out of the designers’ shared interest in discourse between different fashion systems, Osei-Duro began as and still remains an experiment. Having pioneered the use of West African batik on fabrics like silk and rayon, Osei-Duro continues to focus on developing new and hybrid materials. Processes we have used include batik, tie and dye, hand weaving, block printing, lost wax brass casting, hand crochet, hand knitting, hand painting and screen printing, quilting, wood carving, glass bead making, soft sculpture, performance, ikat, and botanical dyeing. We prioritize social responsibility and transparency in our projects, preferring to work collaboratively with a wide range of artisans, designers and fine artists. Our sewing is done in small workshops in Ghana where we have direct relationships with the sewers and can ensure that their pay is well above the minimum wage."
Osei-Duro aims to support local textile industries – on both large and small scales – in becoming sustainable. We believe that economic and environmental sustainability are intrinsically linked. As much as possible we source materials in Ghana, which both reduces carbon footprint and supports local textile producers. We work towards a vibrant local fashion industry wherever we are, one that exceeds international production standards while respecting the rights and aesthetics of local makers."
