Accessories: Luxury Leather, Exquisite Craftsmanship
ZAAF®[Ethiopia]
[Image credit: Wanza Purse – ZAAF]
I was recently introduced to ZAAF® a collection of beautifully crafted leather goods and lifestyle accessories made in Ethiopia. ZAAF was launched just over a year ago by Ethiopian-born, American raised Abai Schulze. As ZAAF’s creative director Abie draws on her multi-cultural upbringing and her Ethiopian heritage, celebrating the local culture and traditions and craftsmanship, reinterpreting them into luxuriously fresh modern designs.
[Image credit: Avalo Petite Weekender – ZAAF]
ZAAF is a lifestyle that embraces and encourages indulgence in heritage living… [and] was birthed from a hope that in the course of creating top end products, it would provide avenues of economic growth and security.
[Image credit: Motta Cross Body Bag – ZAAF]
Each design draws inspiration from a specific region in Ethiopia, and are crafted by highly skilled artisans using only the best materials drawn from natural resources unique to each region. Abie also pays homage to Ethiopia’s renowned weaving traditions using strips woven on traditional looms to accentuate her designs. ZAAF’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection, Indulgence in Heritage Living embodies the spirit of the company, and in a nod to its name – ZAAF is the Amharic word for ‘tree’ – features trees that are indigenous to Ethiopia.
[Image credits: Millettia Portfolio – ZAAF]
ZAAF is attracting increased global attention. At the invitation of fashion designer Korto Momolu, ZAAF showcased its products alongside Korto’s designs at New York Fashion Week. In addition to this Abai was awarded the 2014 Young Leadership Award by Save a Child’s Heart in recognition of her work in building bridges and improving the lives of Ethiopians through ZAAF. Abai was also awarded the UNESCO Tremplin 2014 prize for Entrepreneurship.
Additional details:
For further information about ZAAF® visit: www.zaafcollection.com
To purchase on Styled by Africa visit: www.shopsba.com
And Shop Latitude: www.shoplatitude.com
[Image credits: The images shown belong to: ZAAF®. If downloaded and used elsewhere must be credited accordingly]