Process | Osei Duro

Osei Duro was launched in 2011 by Maryanne Mathis and Molly Keogh in Vancouver and Los Angeles. The brand is totally made in Ghana, West Africa. Using a variety of processes ; indigo dyeing, weaving, Batik, brass cast printing and much more. The premise of the brand is using local Ghanaian techniques on contemporary materials. This cross reference across the West and local Ghanaian techniques results for instance in using wax resistant print processes on fabrics such as silk and rayon, creating bespoke prints on the fabric. The founders use local artisans, tailors and artists to create ingeniously produced garments that tell a narrative that is at once Western and Ghanaian.

The hand dyeing process is an indigo dyeing technique that is traditionally done in Gonja Ghana. In this same area weavers use historically traditional looms to weave strips of textile.

Osei Duro works sustainably making sure to reduce its carbon footprint by producing everything in Ghana. No scrap of fabric is wasted, remnants are used in patchwork designs or donated. Working directly with sewing teams in studios the brand stays ethical by making sure they pay above the minimum wage. The interesting fact is despite its success, the brand describes its venture as an experiment. From the look of things to us it is a very successful experiment. Read more on their process here.