Studio 189: A Fashion Forward And Social Conscious Enterprise
It is my pleasure to introduce to you, Studio One Eighty Nine. Studio One Eighty Nine is a social enterprise that provides a platform for artisans, painters, and designers to promote and curate African inspired art and fashion. The idea for this social enterprise came up when its founders, Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah were on a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo. While there, they were really inspired by the creativity, crafts, talent and fashion of the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and it was there that the idea of preserving the beauty of African designs began to be birthed in the hearts of Rosario and Abrima. They felt strongly about respectfully keeping the authenticity of the process. The challenge was to find the right balance between tradition, modernism, with a mainstream and multicultural appeal.
Each pieces of the garments are handmade and unique onto themselves. The fabrics used are handmade from different regions of Africa, using methods that have been passed on from generation to generation, making the patterns distinctive and unique. No two patterns are exactly the same. Each piece of garment tells a story.
Besides the beautiful craftsmanship, Studio One Eighty Nine created a platform for those artists to showcase their talents worldwide and provided them with economic opportunities to empower their lives.
Each garment is truly a masterpiece for it bears the markings of the hand of the artisans, designers, and painters who all played a key role in creating those beautiful pieces. Studio One Eighty Nine also has a line of accessories that are just as stunning as their garments. Be sure to check them out!
I am so glad to have written about Studio One Eighty Nine and I enjoyed learning about the social changes that they are making in the lives of those who have been forgotten but are now recognized. What will be our story?
