In the six years since Liya Kebede launched Lemlem, the supermodel has brought traditional Ethiopian textiles to a whole new audience. The company, which operates with the goal of providing sustainable jobs for local weavers, has succeeded in the ethical fashion market, offering customers exquisite handcrafted wares and the knowledge that their purchases are making a difference. This month, Kebede debuts an expansive collaboration with Anthropologie that serves to broaden Lemlem’s audience even further. With proceeds going to benefit maternal health in developing nations and a new array of products for the home, the capsule proved exciting for Kebede as a designer and humanitarian.
How did this home goods partnership with Anthropologie begin?
The classic Lemlem stripes and colors have always made sense as home goods. When Anthropologie approached us with an opportunity to see our stripes in the bedroom, bathroom, dining room, and beyond, it was a
no-brainer that this could be a really fun collaboration!
What would you say is the spirit of this capsule collection?
The collection is all about color. We wanted this capsule collection to epitomize summer—sunny and bright happy colors. Perfect for any beach home.
The capsule expands Lemlem into several new categories—which proved the most challenging?
We have three candles in the collection. I was so excited about the idea of our own unique scent, but I was surprised by how hard it is to find the right fragrance. In the end, we picked three really beautiful options that take me home to Addis Ababa.
How did you merge the Lemlem aesthetic with that of Anthropologie?
We pitched a few different motifs to Anthropologie and together decided what made the most sense for its customer. Anthropologie is feminine and adventurous, so we were not surprised at all with the direction the store wanted to take.
What is the most rewarding side of your role as the designer of Lemlem?
While we are all about making beautiful clothes, the goal behind Lemlem is to create sustainable jobs for weavers at our workshop in Ethiopia. Helping to provide a steady income for men and women in Ethiopia is definitely the most rewarding part of this work.
