LEMLEM: WEAVING THREADS OF TRADITION AND EMPOWERMENT
By Smile Kwokori
In the vibrant tapestry of the fashion industry, Lemlem stands as a unique and inspiring brand, intricately woven with threads of tradition, sustainability, and empowerment. Founded by Ethiopian supermodel and health advocate Liya Kebede, Lemlem has emerged not only as a distinctive fashion label, but also as a symbol of social impact and cultural preservation.
Liya Kebede stands as a trailblazer, in the world of fashion and philanthropy, seamlessly blending her roles as an internationally acclaimed supermodel, actress, and maternal health advocate.
Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Kebede’s journey from the local runways of her hometown to the global stage of high fashion has been extraordinary.
Liya Kebede was born on March 1st, 1978, as the only daughter of a middle-class family in Ethiopia. Her Introduction to the modelling world happened serendipitously, she was spotted as a young student while attending Lycée Guebre Mariam (the school in which she learnt fluent French) by a French film director whose recommendation got her signed by a French modelling agent, and the rest like they say is history.
Her unique beauty, grace, and poise quickly garnered international attention. In 2002, She made history as the first woman of color in over a decade to become the face of Estée Lauder, breaking barriers and reshaping the beauty standards of the fashion industry. Kebede’s runway presence became synonymous with elegance, leading her to work with renowned designers like Tom Ford, Dolce and Gabbana, and Yves Saint-Laurent.
Yves Saint Laurent -Runway- Fall/Winter 2001-2002 Paris Fashion Week
(March 13,2001)
(Photo by Victor VIRGILE/ Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Moschino spring 2003 Ready to Wear Runway Show
(September 29,2002) In Milan Italy.
(Photo by Mauricio Miranda/Penske Media via Getty Images).
Beyond The catwalk, Liya Kebede’s Entrepreneurial spirit led her to venture into fashion design.
In 2007, She founded LEMLEM, A brand that not only pays homage to her Ethiopian heritage, but also serves as a conduit for preserving traditional weaving techniques. Lemlem, meaning “to bloom” in Amharic, and beautifully encapsulates Kebede’s Vision of combining craftsmanship with modern style.
Under Kebede’s guidance, Lemlem has become a global force in sustainable and ethical fashion. The brand collaborates with local artisans in Ethiopia, empowering communities and ensuring the survival of traditional weaving practices. The brand’s mission was to create a fashion brand that merged ancient weaving practices with contemporary design and to provide economic opportunities for local artisans in Ethiopia.
Kebede Envisioned Lemlem, as a bridge between Ethiopian cultural history and the global fashion industry, bringing attention to the intricate beauty of traditional Ethiopian textiles. The brand’s initial focus was on creating handmade scarves, shawls, and other accessories using traditional weaving methods. Collaborating with skilled Ethiopian artisans, Lemlem Became a platform for preserving and promoting the craftsmanship passed down through generations.
As Lemlem gained recognition for its unique blend of cultural authenticity and modern aesthetics, it expanded its product range to include ready-to-wear clothing. The brand’s success lies not only in its commitment to ethical and sustainable fashion, but also in its ability to showcase the beauty of Ethiopian textiles to a global audience.
Lemlem Eshe collection
LEILA |Plunge Dress
Lemlem is currently recognized for its famous swimwear productions, Ready to wear collections and Collaborations with other top brands in the fashion industry like PUMA and H&M.
Puma & Lemlem Activewear Collection (2023)
Take a look at some other Lemlem designs with intricate art weaving below;
Lemlem Leliti Collection
ALEM |Plunge Dress
Lemlem Yani Collection
LEILA |Plunge Dress
Lemlem Jordanos Collection
LEILE | Plunge Dress
Lemlem MEAZA Button up Dress
Made in Kenya
Lemlem Kelemi Coral collection
Lemlem Kelemi White collection
LELISA |V neck Dress
By founding Lemlem, Liya Kebede has demonstrated that fashion can be a powerful vehicle for positive change. The brand continues to bloom, flourishing as a beacon of style, Tradition, and ethical innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of the fashion industry.
CITATIONS:
Cover Image;
Early life and Education of Liya Kebede
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liya_Kebede
Lemlem Jordanos collection
Lemlem Kelemi Linen collection
Lemlem Meaza button up dress
Moschino spring 2003 Ready to Wear Runway Show
Puma & Lemlem Activewear Collection 2023
Yves Saint Laurent -Runway- Fall/Winter 2001-2002 Paris Fashion Week