Rethinking Textile Waste through Craft - The Ghana x Germany Edition

Join us on Thursday 4th of July, and learn with the designers behind two of the most innovative Berlin based fashion brands, Emeka Suits and Buki Akomolafe, and two visionary fashion designers and artists from Ghana, Navi Yankey and Mawuli Quist, how to repurpose used clothes and textile waste through unique craft techniques.

This 4-hour immersive learning session will include an exclusive direct exchange between and with the 4 fashion designers, as well as a deep dive into the making of textiles and products: Participants will first approach the topic of waste and its impact on people and the environment through an open conversation, and then learn a range of upcycling and zero waste techniques led by the designers.

As a result of this exchange of techniques and sharing of perspectives around re-thinking waste and consumption, a collective piece/monument will be created by the active engagement of all participants and facilitators involved in the workshop. Don´t miss the chance to become an active part of this collective momentum.

This workshop is organised by Circular Berlin in cooperation with the OR Foundation as part of the project , co-financed by Bundeskanzler-Helmut-Schmidt-Stiftung, Engagement Global (FEB programme), and the Nord-Süd-Brücken Stiftung through the Service für Entwicklungsinitiativen, Landesstelle für Entwicklungszusammenarbeit (LEZ) programme.

About the experts:

is a designer and entrepreneur who works as a remanufacturing specialist at the OR Foundation. He studied fashion design and textiles at the Accra Technical University, Ghana, and worked with various apparel companies in Ghana, including through his own production business.

is a maker, stylist, storyteller and founder of DeFortyFive space and Finders Frames. He is an expert in upcycling accessories, particularly hats and eyewear, from Kantamanto, the second-hand clothing market in Accra that receives 15 million garments a week. He also works with artisans across Ghana to create objects that tell stories and explore sustainability from a West African perspective. Mawuli has a deep knowledge of the Kantamanto market and traditional Ghanaian dress, and is committed to engaging Ghana's creative industries in a meaningful dialogue with fashion.

is the Founder and Creative Director of EMEKA. Emeka is a circular lifestyle brand which creates clothing from upcycled Fabrics in rural Kenya. Through Emeka, Sydney explores the intersection between environmentalism, diversity and creativity. This led him to develop a unique Brand-Identity which brought Emeka to the mainstage of fashion: Vogue, Elle, GQ and more.

has been running her own label since 2016, drawing inspiration from the cultural contrasts between two different worlds. With her Nigerian-German heritage as a foundation, she combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. She incorporates West African patterns, quilts, and prints into her creations, resulting in clean, androgynous classics. Buki aims to promote fair exchange between the global North and South in fashion, advocating for ethical production practices to shape a sustainable future.

• This session will be conducted in English

• Some snacks & drinks will be provided.
• No sewing skills are required to attend this workshop, but some experience with textiles would be beneficial.

About Circular Berlin

We are a non-profit organisation – developing the circular economy in Berlin, through knowledge building, practical programmes, community development, and education.

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