lemlem

Retail Apparel and FashionUnited States11-50 Employees

Founded by supermodel Liya Kebede, lemlem is an mission-based brand of beautiful women’s resort and swimwear made entirely and responsibly in Africa, with a core mission of preserving the local art of weaving in Ethiopia and inspiring economic growth on the continent. 

On a trip to her native country of Ethiopia, as a WHO Goodwill Ambassador, Liya Kebede discovered that traditional weavers were losing their jobs due to a decline in local demand for their goods. Recognizing the beauty and rare quality of their work, Liya started lemlem in 2007 to preserve this ancient art form and simultaneously create job opportunities for local artisans. 
Since then, lemlem, which means to bloom and flourish in the Ethiopian language of Amharic, has expanded its presence in Kenya with ready-to-wear and Morocco with swimwear.

lemlem also has a philanthropic arm, the lemlem Foundation, committed to build a brighter future for women in Africa. Since 2006 we have been creating a pathway out of poverty for women artisans in Africa, by supporting training and job opportunities with ethical clothing workshops, and better access to women’s health services and products.

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