VISION
ECO. ETHICAL. COLLABORATIVE.
COLLAB Clothing
COLLAB is an Afro-European brand and in collaboration with artists from the African continent we create social-ecological streetwear. Through these collaborations, our designs embody a unique Afro-fusion of traditional and urban styles that connect you directly with the artists. Our mission is to invest in a sustainable fashion industry in (East) Africa and to make local talents with their crafts, perspectives and stories visible to the world.
Organic cotton cultivation in Tanzania
Production in Kenya
ECO & ETHICAL
Today's fast fashion industry intensifies global challenges such as the climate crisis and global social inequalities. Due to global supply chains, it is rare for fashion to be produced in a single region. In addition to climate change, this has a particularly negative impact on many African countries because they often only provide key raw materials which will be exported for further manufacturing elsewhere.
In order to meet these challenges, we rely on the use of pure (organic) cotton from Tanzanian cooperatives and on a fair production process in Kenya. It is important to us that most of the value chain takes place in (East) Africa, in order to strengthen the economic potential in this region. Our sustainability efforts not only focus on environmentally friendly production methods but also on the quality and lifespan of our products. Our T-shirts are not made for a trend, but for decades!
Collaboration with weavers from Abimbola / Kenya
COLLABORATIVE
We strongly believe that in today's fashion industry a worthy representation of multicultural aesthetics is still far too rare. Traditional or new artistic designs from different African countries are always created in a specific cultural context. This is why they deserve their place and appreciation in the fashion world. Our collaborations act as a valuable bridge that allows the artists' individual and diverse forms of expression to be presented internationally. Not only do our partners receive the recognition they deserve and benefit directly from the sale of the clothes, but also you get a first hand insight into their artwork and stories.
As an Afro-European brand with a collaborative approach, our fashion embodies empowerment and unity. In addition to artist involvement, this also means that our unisex designs are inclusive for all people - regardless of origin, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or sense of belonging.
Ebou from COLLAB Clothing
THE FACE OF COLLAB
COLLAB Clothing is based in Hamburg, Germany and was founded by Ebou with the help of family and friends:
"Due to my Gambian and German roots, it has always been a personal desire for me to bring my different backgrounds together. I am also convinced that clichés about Africa can be reduced by building cultural bridges and by making the diverse talents and potentials visible. Furthermore, during my geography studies in Hamburg I dealt intensively with the topics of climate change and global social inequalities. COLLAB is a very special opportunity for me to combine my Afro-European identity with my values for a more sustainable and socially inclusive future".
COLLAB began its pilot phase in December 2020 when we launched our first collections. After the first year, the brand underwent an intensive restructuring with a focus on new supply chains, cooperatives and collaborations in East Africa. COLLAB was relaunched in December 2023. As a young brand, we are in a continuous process of development and learning. If you have any comments or suggestions, please be in touch with us at any time.
ALL DESIGNS
