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Threads connecting the world
Upcycling confronts us with the question of how we deal with seemingly worthless things. A project in Kenya is now providing answers to some of those questions.
Sarah Müller, fashion designer from Stuttgart, always wanted to combine fashion with social aspects. Her six-month work visit to the Karai Children Vocational Centre, as well as the ubiquitous colourful cement bags, inspired her idea to work with the people at the centre.
Established in 2017, there are now six tailors working for Nyuzi Blackwhite – a project which breathes new life into used cement bags. Does the name have a special meaning? “Sure. Nyuzi is Kiswahili for threads – our products’ threads that connect people, emotions and worlds, ”explains Müller.
Each piece of the collection of water-repellent, ultralight and durable bags and accessories is unique. It is sewn by one tailor from start to finish and labelled with a name tag –“a tag that makes each piece personal, thereby connecting people across continents, ”Müller underlines.
You can order Nyuiz Blackwhite’s upcycling products online or visit the team at the fair ‘FairHandeln’ in the Stuttgarter Messehallen from 16 to 19 April 2020. Nyuzi is also currently looking for assistance with the transport of sewing machines from Germany to Kenya.