This week sees the start of London Fashion Week. The world of fashion includes haute couture, ready to wear collections, cruise collections to the high street. But with the rise in popularity of throw-away fashion, this LFW we are all about ethical fashion and finding the stories out about the clothes that have depth and history. LadyM will be wearing a Johari dress to London Fashion Week so we thought we would profile the company and what ethical fashion means to them.

Johari – Ethical Fashion

Johari is a unique ethical fashion brand established by Johari Foundation in Kenya.  It provides training and employment for vulnerable young women with the aim of supporting children on the Johari Foundation’s Social Development Programmes through the sale of Johari products. The brand features prints inspired by the African culture and landscape, very apt for the Spring/Summer trends. All of Johari products are hand-made and materials are sourced from Africa.

Our philosophy is simple. We passionately believe that fashion should be ethical, stylish and beautiful.

The training programme is an 18 month Apprenticeship Programme  where the young women learn, design, tailoring, pattern cutting, sourcing, jewellery making and business skills. On graduation the young women can continue to work for Johari or enter other employment using the skills they have learned. The majority of apprentices continue to work for Johari with some now entering their 4th year of employment.

Johari – The Collections

Johari, which means ‘something precious’ in Swahili, makes stylish beautiful clothing and accessories that people love. Every item is handmade in Kenya by Social Enterprise Johari Designs. By wearing Johari you are empowering vulnerable young adults to build a living for themselves and their families. Johari’s existing ranges include ladies fashion, jewellery, kids t-shirts and a homeware range.  There is also a range by Guest Designer Julia Smith who started to collaborate with Johari in 2011

Kilele Dress from Johari

Kilele Dress, by Johari

This is the dress that LadyM will be wearing to London Fashion Week. The Kilele (‘at the top’) dress is made of comfortable light polyester with a print of the Acacia tree. Available in Black, Fuchsia, Red and Turquoise. £45

Tarfiji Dress

Tafriji Dress, by Johari

The Tafriji, meaning ‘enjoyment’ in Swahili is a chiffon layer dress is made of comfortable light polyester with a leopard face print in a gorgeous and striking Fuchsia. £40

Nzuri Tshirt

Nzuri Tshirt, by Johari

The Nzuri (‘nice’) T-shirt has a slim fitted cut and is made of comfortable stretchy cotton jersey with an intricate hand printed Masaai face drawing. £18

Jani Necklace

Jani Necklace, by Johari

The accessories have great African influence and are really on trend for Spring/Summer.  The Jani (‘Leaf’) Necklace is made of brass sourced within Kenya, every piece carefully handmade resulting in an elegant intricate piece that looks stunning on a low top or evening dress. £30

Julia Smith Orange and Blue Froo Froo Skirt

Julia Smith Orange & Blue Froo Froo Skirt, by Johari

The gorgeous 50′s style striped Froo Froo Skirt is made from light, comfortable polyester, the perfect skirt to twirl in! It’s bang on trend for the nautical style that continues into Spring/Summer as well as strong colour blocking that is still ever popular. £44

Pinnie Playsuit

Pinne Playsuit, by Johari

We also love this playsuit which is perfect for play this Summer as well as dressing up for an evening out for cocktails. Accessorise with some great colour block wedges and gold jewellery. £49.50

Johari sells  in to Africa, Japan, UK and Europe through on-line stores and boutiques and also has its own online store; www.johari.co.uk.  You can also shop key pieces form their collection at ASOS.com and are at really great prices for fashion that has meaning and spirit.

Johari is fast becoming recognised as an Ethical Brand and further promotion will help to secure its place as a leader in the Ethical Fashion Industry. Johari Foundation is a registered charity in Scotland and Kenya and the charity supports child education through its Miale Social Development Programmes. Working at grass roots level to help vulnerable children and young adults take charge of their lives and build a positive future for themselves and their families. This is achieved by the building of social enterprise and development programmes which are tailored to serving the best interests of the children and young adults that they support.