Fashion: ASOS Africa Produced by SOKO Kenya

ASOS Africa/SOKO Kenya [Kenya/Tanzania]

[Image credit: The Green Room – ASOS Africa]

The Green Room is fashion retail giant ASOS’s platform for brands with a story to tell – those with a social or environmental ethos and includes ASOS Africa, ASOS.com own brand creations, People Tree, Swedish Hasbeens and designer collaborations. Now in its third season the latest collection from ASOS Africa defines laidback style in a softer palette of neutral tones and warm rich colours, and is a departure from the signature bold prints and colours used in previous collections. Made from linens and hand-woven fabrics with flashes of Kitenge fabric from Tanzania, the collection is produced exclusively for ASOS in Kenya by clothing production workshop, SOKO.

[Image credit: The Green Room – ASOS Africa]

SOKO Kenya produces fashion-driven garments for the international fashion industry, aimed at the high-end and mainstream export market. In addition to ASOS Africa collections SOKO also produces clothing for brands such as Lalesso and the Jessica Ogden for ASOS collection which is currently available online. Set-up in 2009, SOKO recruits from the local community with the aim of providing training and sustainable employment, also working with local cooperatives and artisans to source components and trimmings like crochet and beading. The SOKO workshop is based within the grounds of the Ukunda Youth Polytechnic, a community-owned and run institution that offers training to local people. SOKO works closely with the polytechnic; donating equipment, offering apprenticeship to tailoring graduates and sponsoring orphaned students.

[Image credit: SOKO Kenya]

With increasing demand for its services the SOKO workshop is expanding, and for every purchase from the online ASOS Africa and Jessica Odgen for ASOS collections £5 will be donated to help SOKO build a new workshop, with ASOS matching each donation with an additional £5.

Additional Details:
Prices for ASOS Africa and Jessica Odgen range from: £35-£75
For further information on the Green Room visit: www.asos.com/Green-Room-Ethical
For further information on SOKO Kenya visit: www.soko-kenya.com