Established by Paola Masperi, Mayamiko The Label is an ethical and sustainable woman’s wear and life style brand, producing clothes, accessories and homeware, made in Malawi by their team of tailors, pattern cutters and seamstresses. Their collections are cross-seasonal and are inspired by African artisanal traditions and prints, with ethical trading and sustainability at their core.
”We strongly believe that ethical and sustainable production is the only acceptable way of producing, and feel that shopping ethically should not compromise the quality or design of the product but rather enhance and add value to it.”
Mayamiko works in partnership with Mayamiko Trust, a charity set up by Paola in 2008 after her extensive travels in Africa. Mayamiko aims to help the most disadvantaged people in Malawi by nurturing their creative talents and turning them in to sustainable activities that could be transferable to trade practices. Lifting people out of poverty and towards a better future.
The Charity and brand work together through the Mayamiko Fashion Lab where their garments are made. The Mayamiko Fashion Lab was designed to provide training, education, nutrition, sanitation and fairer trade practices to all of those involved. The project currently provides training in sewing and tailoring as well as financial and business skills to local, disadvantaged women, many of whom are affected by the HIV pandemic or who are carers of HIV orphans. After their training all trainees receive a recognised qualification as well as mentoring, guidance and access to a micro-finance scheme, enabling them to start their own business.
Business like this allow consumerism to be okay. If the process is ethical and sustainable consumers can carry on shopping at a moderate rate. I really like how this brand gives the people who carry out the manufacturing process a fair chance. In many other cases people have to suffer everyday within their jobs or suffer basic human rights so produce clothes for out high street fashion. More business like Mayamiko are needed in our world today.
Sustainability 