Head to east London on Tuesday, September 27 for the UK launch of vibrant new Norwegian-Zambian fashion accessory line, WAYAWAYA. The evening will end with a special appearance by singer-songwriter duo Robaat.

 

WAYAWAYA began in 2010 when Norwegian designers Merete and Iris were work-exchanging in Livingstone, Zambia. They devoted their time to local development programs with a passion for women’s rights. During their day-to-day work they experienced the hardships of Zambian women with little or no education.

In the busy market of Livingstone, among the maze of secondhand clothes and African prints, the two Norwegian ladies realised that design and manufacturing could go hand in hand, and become key in empowering their fellow sisters in Zambia.

This realization grew into a line of beautiful handbags made in Zambia and now being launched in the UK. Merging the pared-down aesthetic Scandinavia design with the colourful palette of Zambia, WAYAWAYA represents a new brand of fashion with a conscience.

A part of the slow fashion movement, WAYAWAYA has a self-proclaimed mission of creating a meaningful industry for all the people involved by taking fashion design in a more balanced, equal and human direction. This is done by providing vocational training and viable job opportunities to Zambian women. When they complete their training the novice artisans work in collaboration with the core team of WAYAWAYA, making sure that the know-how, technical skills and professional confidence is passed down to the next person, every step of the way.

Head over to The Arches in east London on Tuesday, September 27, to check out the designs and enjoy a special performance by Norwegian singer-songwriter duo Robaat.