About us
In light of the proliferation of fast fashion and the prevalent throwaway culture, there exists a notable influx of second-hand clothing into Africa, predominantly imported from regions including Europe, America, Canada, and China. This surplus of imported clothing exceeds the demand within recipient countries, culminating in an excess of discarded items. Consequently, this phenomenon significantly contributes to the escalation of textile waste, with a considerable portion of these garments ultimately finding their way into landfills, thereby posing significant environmental hazards.
This influx, often propelled by neo-colonial ideologies, further disrupts local economies and traditional textile industries, thereby precipitating conditions of unemployment and economic instability. Such socio-economic repercussions can, in turn, perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality within affected communities.
Against this backdrop, the brand "Atelier Nderitu" emerges as an ambassador for a more sustainable fashion industry. By meticulously crafting high-quality, timeless fashion pieces from dead stock materials and premium fabrics such as silk, cashmere, leather, and wool, sourced from East Africa's largest second-hand market, Gikomba, the brand exemplifies a commitment to luxury with a conscience.
Atelier Nderitu's ethos revolves around breathing new life into garments destined for landfill, effectively transforming waste into luxury. Anchored by a circular design philosophy, the brand not only rejuvenates mindsets but also presents elegant collections that are underpinned by sustainability and ethics, serving as foundational principles for the brand's endeavours.
´´What Africa needs is not charity but liberation from the neo-colonial forces that are stagnating her growth´´
The brainchild of Atelier Nderitu, a fashion design Master's student at HTW Berlin, Dorine Nderitu is imbued with a profound desire to create one-of-a-kind, timeless fashion pieces while simultaneously upholding heritage craftsmanship, advocating for sustainable consumption and production practices, supporting local industries and artisans, and fostering awareness about sustainable fashion.
Originating from Kenya and having relocated to Berlin in 2012 to pursue her passion for fashion, Dorine Nderitu's journey underscores a fusion of cultural influences. Each garment crafted embodies the rich tapestry of both Nairobi and Berlin, narrating a story that transcends geographical boundaries and celebrates the symbiosis of two cities that have shaped her identity and creative vision.
Our Philanthropic programme
Despite commendable progress in women's empowerment efforts in Kenya, persistent economic and social challenges continue to perpetuate inequalities across various sectors, significantly impacting women's access to essential resources and opportunities. These disparities manifest in restricted access to education, employment, economic avenues, healthcare services, safety, and political participation. Rooted in entrenched cultural norms, discriminatory practices, and limited resource availability, these barriers impede the advancement of women in society.
In response to these pressing issues, Atelier Nderitu is committed to implementing multifaceted strategies aimed at addressing gender inequalities while actively challenging detrimental norms and advocating for gender-sensitive policies. By extending employment and training opportunities to women hailing from marginalized communities, our initiatives seek to foster economic and social empowerment among women.
´´Through women empowerment, we are building a foundation for a thriving society that fosters economic security, boosts innovation and creativity, promotes social justice, and enhances environmental sustainability.´´
Situated strategically within Ngong, Kenya, our Atelier location holds a unique position within the Maasai County, affording us direct engagement with local Maasai women. Diverging from conventional community-based organizations that primarily focus on education, our approach emphasizes a dynamic knowledge exchange platform, wherein women are empowered to both learn and share insights, fostering mutual growth and empowerment.
The Maasai community is a testament of resilience, which has steadfastly preserved its cultural identity amidst external influences. Rooted in language, traditions, customs, and a communal way of life, the Maasai's unwavering cultural resilience has safeguarded core aspects of their heritage. Moreover, the Maasai culture exemplifies sustainability, characterized by a holistic approach to land management, reverence for nature, cultural preservation, and adaptive resilience in the face of change. These enduring principles have facilitated the thriving of Maasai communities across generations, striking a delicate balance between human needs and environmental conservation.
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