Sustainable & responsible
Made by hand. Created with Purpose. Rooted in Place.
At MLIMA, sustainability is a way of creating.
It’s about starting with what’s already here: the touch of fabric under the sun, the wisdom of craftsmanship passed through generations, the beauty found in the overlooked.
We believe true responsibility means honoring the people, materials, and memories that shape each piece — making choices that respect the earth, preserve culture, and celebrate connection.
From Fabric to Story
Every creation at MLIMA begins not just from a sketch, but from the material itself — a raw textile, a handwoven thread, a centuries-old technique. We let the fabric speak first, guiding the story that each piece will carry. We believe that what we wear or carry should feel meaningful. That’s why we create with intention, using materials that already hold.
We let the materials speak first, guiding the story that each piece will carry.
Locally Sourced, Thoughtfully Chosen
Wherever possible, we source materials locally — from regional fibers to overstocked and deadstock fabrics originally destined for landfills. These textiles are often shipped to Africa as waste; we reclaim them before they reach that fate. We give new life to these materials, choosing materials, fabrics, threads, and trimmings with care — always with an eye toward reducing waste and celebrating what already exists.
Handcrafted with Artisans
Every MLIMA piece is handmade in collaboration with artisans in Tunisia and Tanzania. These are not outsourced transactions — they are creative partnerships rooted in mutual respect. We believe in empowering artisan communities, supporting fair wages, and meaningful creative exchange.
Working with Traditional Textiles
We incorporate iconic East African textiles like Kitenge, Kanga and Maasai Shuka into our designs, celebrating their vibrant energy and cultural depth. Many of our fabrics are hand-printed in open-air workshops using traditional block-printing and African tie-dyed methods, then sun-dried under the African sky — a rhythm in harmony with the land.
We also incorporate vintage North African Kilim rugs, raffia weaving and hand-embroidered techniques from Tunisia, blending craft, culture, and modern storytelling.
Upcycled with Purpose
We do upcycle secondhand garments and overstocked fabrics found in local African markets, transforming them into designs filled with new spirit and meaning.
Through this, we not only reduce environmental impact but also celebrate the beauty of imperfection and renewal.
Techniques that Honor Tradition
Our designs draw inspiration from Maasai beading and threading traditions, adapted with deep respect and close collaboration with local artisans. We also explore North African raffia weaving, hand embroidery, and traditional block printing, blending time-honored practices with modern design. Very detail is a nod to ancestral skill, reimagined for today through shared storytelling.