Fundudzi - Eco Luxe Couture

Clothing with a conscience is the mantra behind Africa’s premier eco luxe label, Fundudzi by Craig Jacobs.

Appointed one of 50 global Range Rover City Shapers along with Georgina Chapman of Marchesa, Henry Holland of House of Holland and Francesca Versace. 

The spring/summer 2012 collection draws inspiration from growing global disillusionment from Moscow to Tunis, London to New York and was simply titled: Protest.
“As a designer I cannot ignore what is happening around me, so this collection is simply my way of encouraging people to step up and make their voice heard,” says Jacobs, who founded the label in 2004.

Washed out prints with statements including “Eat The Rich” (inspired by a poster seen at Occupy Wall Street), “Revolutionary Road” and “Nationalize Your Mind” (a play on calls to nationalize the country’s mines to reduce economic inequality) punctuate tank tops, t-shirts and t-shirt dresses made from organic cotton sourced in Lesotho. Another print, featuring an African mask with a taped over mouth, graphically evokes the mood of the collection. The pristine white of the t-shirts is complemented by a muted palette (which continues into flowing sorbet pinks, mints and powder blues in the softest chiffons and hemp fabrics) is juxtaposed with tribal optical prints.

“You can calmly make your point, even when the subject matter is quite charged, so I gravitated towards a relaxing pastel palette moving to greens, cobalt blues and fuchsias to add interest,” Jacobs explains. Channeling spirited, individualistic women who enjoy wearing pieces which reflect a modern African aesthetic. The Protest spring summer collection will also soon be available in key independent boutiques in South Africa from August. Follow on twitter @Fundudzi

Also  available online in the US through JP Selects the e-commerce marketplace for socially aware and eco-friendly brands and products. The label has grown out a desire to help change the perception of Africa and has shown in Paris, Stockholm, Maputo and Luanda and most recently, SA Fashion Week. In 2009 Fundudzi formed part of an international exhibition on sustainable design in Copenhagen, as part of the World Climate Summit.

Wherever possible, the label incorporates ecologically sensitive and locally sourced materials including cashmere/lamb’s wool through a project in conjunction with the CSIR in the Eastern Cape, and organic cotton sourced from Lesotho. The label also actively supports sustainability through a host of initiatives including collaborating with local crafters to highlight indigenous artisanal skills, upcycling projects and philanthropy (supporting Cheesekids for Humanity, CANSA SA and The Trust). Fundudzi on Facebook

Providing a capsule wardrobe for free spirited individuals seeking pieces with a distinctive signature. The name Fundudzi is inspired by a body of water, Lake Fundudzi, which is one of our most precious ecological treasures as well as being a sacred site for the vhaVenda tribe.

Fundudzi milestones:

Featured twice in Womens Wear Daily, the world’s most influential fashion newspaper and showcased as part of C’est Couture at Paris Fashion Week (an SA Tourism Initiative) in July 2007.