Mayamiko

Mayamiko is a womenswear and lifestyle brand that prides itself on its responsible and ethical approach to fashion. The brand was established by Paola Masperi and is the result of a collective effort by the women who form the core of the social enterprise. With a strong commitment to ethics and sustainability, Mayamiko's collections are designed to be cross-seasonal and cater to the global woman. The brand draws inspiration from indigenous artisans in the regions where their products are made, particularly in Malawi where the main collections celebrate the birthplace of the brand through traditional African techniques and locally sourced fabrics known as 'chitenje'.

The vision of Mayamiko is to offer a selection of carefully crafted pieces, made by artisans from around the world. The brand's range includes plant-dyed jewelry from Sri Lanka, hand-knitted hats from Peru, and up-cycled silk from Italy. Mayamiko is dedicated to prioritizing people and the planet throughout their production process, demonstrating that ethical and sustainable shopping can enhance the value of a product without compromising on quality or design, while empowering everyone involved in its creation.

The origins of Mayamiko can be traced back to the Mayamiko Trust, a charity founded by Paola in 2008 with the aim of providing opportunities to disadvantaged women in Malawi. The trust focuses on nurturing creative talents, offering skills training, and promoting sustainable trade practices. The Mayamiko Fashion Lab, part of the brand, works in conjunction with the charity to provide training, education, nutrition, sanitation, and fair trade practices. Initially, the lab offered tailoring training to local women affected by the HIV pandemic or caring for HIV orphans. These women not only receive a recognized qualification but also gain access to business skills training, mentoring, and a micro-finance scheme to start their own businesses. Many graduates choose to stay and work with Mayamiko The Label, where they are provided with stable employment, good wages, and childcare support. The brand also contributes to the workshop activities and makes additional donations from each garment sold to the Trust.

Each piece of Mayamiko clothing has a unique story, crafted with materials hand-picked from local markets or sourced from organic producers. The garments are sewn in a solar-powered workshop in Malawi and packaged by Mail Out, a social enterprise supporting individuals with learning difficulties. Mayamiko has designed a selection of evergreen styles intended to be loved and cherished for many years, embodying the philosophy that loved clothes last. The brand invites customers to discover the stories behind their clothes, offering a glimpse into the lives of the makers and the ethical and sustainable journey of each garment.