Four years ago, we began dreaming of what it would mean to grow beyond bracelets — to champion more African makers, uplift more stories, and weave even more love into everything we do. Today, that dream takes a beautiful step forward with the launch of our first-ever apparel collaboration: The Jacket Project, created by Kenyan heritage fashion house KikoRomeo in partnership with the Pendeza Weaving Project in Kisumu, Kenya.
This small-batch capsule, with only 78 jackets made, represents far more than clothing. It’s a celebration of community, a commitment to sustainability, and a testament to the power of opportunity when talented artisans are supported, seen, and valued.
Meet the Makers: KikoRomeo & Pendeza Weaving Project
KikoRomeo, led by mother-daughter duo Ann and Iona McCreath, is known for its artistry, cultural storytelling, and dedication to responsible, future-forward design. The brands iconic workman jacket — a staple in their collection for over two decades — serves as the foundation for this new partnership.
To bring the fabric to life, KikoRomeo works closely with the Pendeza Weaving Project, led by William and Margaret Okello.
Their workshops in Kisumu and Bondo in Western Kenya are hubs of creativity and skill, where wool from Kenyan highland farmers is hand-spun, plant-dyed in small outdoor batches, and woven using generations-old techniques. For over 20 years, Pendeza has dedicated itself to creating dignified employment for women and youth — making them the perfect partners for a project rooted in empowerment.
Crafted With Intention: What Makes These Jackets Special
Every detail of this jacket tells a story — of materials thoughtfully sourced, processes designed to honor the earth, and hands that know their craft intimately.
Handwoven wool-and-cotton textiles spun and dyed in Kisumu Plant dyes and low-impact processes, ensuring safer, more sustainable color
Coconut-shell buttons and horn logos, making the jacket fully biodegradable
Gender-inclusive workman silhouette, easy to wear true to size or oversized
A unique contrast panel woven into the center back and inner cuffs
No two jackets are identical, and that’s what makes these jackets so special. The slight variations in weave, color, and texture are what make each piece alive — proof of real people, real craftsmanship, and real connection.
More Than a Jacket: The Story of the Packing Bag
Each jacket arrives in a reusable cotton duster bag featuring a one-of-a-kind patchwork square — a small but powerful extension of the project’s heart.
These patches are hand-stitched by displaced women in Kenya using off-cuts from the weaving process. For many, the act of stitching is more than a skill; it’s a form of therapy. It brings them back to childhood memories of learning to sew, creates meditative space for grounding, and offers a gentle way to share (or simply hold) life’s stories. Each woman chooses her own design and color palette, making every bag as unique as the hands that crafted it.
Nothing is wasted. Everything is meaningful. Even the packaging carries purpose.
A Collaboration Rooted in Love
This is the beginning of a new chapter for Ubuntu Life — one stitched with intention, creativity, and deep respect for African makers. The Jacket Project is the first of many small-batch collaborations to come, each one designed to support artisans, celebrate heritage craft, and build futures with dignity.
We’re honored to share these pieces with you.
We’re honored to share these stories with you.
And we’re only just getting started.