A Bud for a Bud

A gorgeous real rosebud is frozen in this delicate necklace. I received it for my birthday from my older brother who still uses my childhood nickname Bud.

African Shirt Company

  I came across The African Shirt Company in last week's Grazia and was captured by their vivid designs. I'm a sucker for a good ethnic pattern because they're always bursting with spirit and character. The earthy colours of orange, brown and deep blue sit next to one another in a clashing complement, drawing the African landscape it's been hand-made amongst.

   The bold shirts display the traditional design culture of its Kenyan producers. I later realised it also represents a more promising future brightened from this company's investment in two Kenyan mothers. Ruth and Clara are locals who have learned pattern cutting and sewing to make these shirts. Aiming to help the struggling village Kiteghe, The African Shirt Company profits are used to build a tree nursery to restore the increasing desertification in the community. Traditional farming income is threatened here by drought all year round and this environmental degradation with a lack of education prevents its restoration. The Company supports environmental education and land management schemes which will provide a sustainable landscape for food and trade.
  

I love how these shirts tell their story so well. They are also incredibly unique, with only 4 of each pattern made.

Here are some of my favourites... 

Women's

Men's

All shirts - £50

The African Shirt Company

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