Osei Duro was founded in 2011 by Maryanne Mathias and Molly Keogh, Canadian and American respectively. Based out of Vancouver, BC and Accra, they currently produce textiles and garments in Ghana. What makes them so special is their application of traditional hand techniques to simple, contemporary designs.

Born out of the designer's shared interest in discourse between different fashion systems, Osei Dur began as and remains an experiment. Having pioneered the use of West African Batik on fabrics like silk and rayon, they continue to focus on developing new and hybrid materials as well as processes used; Batik, tie and dye, hand weaving, block printing, lost wax casting, hand crochet, hand knitting, hand painting, screen print, quilting, carving, glass bed making, soft sculpture, performance, ikat, and botanical dyeing are among their favourites.

As a brand owned by white North Americans living and working in the Global South, they prioritize social responsibility and transparency in all projects, preferring to work collaboratively with a wide range of artisans, manufacturers and fine artists. Their sewing and dyeing is done in small workshops in Ghana where they have direct relationships with the sewers and can ensure that their pay is well above the minimum wage.

Scraps are never discarded but rather reused to make patchwork, gifted to artists, schools, quilters or anyone else who has use for them! They are always looking for creative ways to divert waste and put excess to use.

Osei Duro aims to support local textile industries - on both large and small scale - in becoming sustainable. They believe that economic and environmental sustainability are intrinsically linked. As much as possible, they source materials right in Ghana, which both reduces carbon footprint and supports local businesses and economy.

They are always working towards a vibrant, local fashion industry wherever they are in the world, one that exceeds international production standards while respecting the rights and aesthetics of local makers.

I mean, c'mon. Could they be any cooler?