Wednesday 11 January 2012

All Things Tribal

The Aspiga 2012 Collection focuses on their new Masai Collection, being launched End of February. The Masai Collection inspired (and all hand made) by individuals of the wonderfully elegant, Masai tribe in Kenya.

The collection full of colour and vibrancy comprises of pieces of unusual jewellery (including choker necklaces, cuff bracelets and head bands), beaded sandals, belts and baskets.

Beadworking, has a long history among the Maasai, who articulate their identity and position in society through body ornaments and body painting. In the past beads were produced mostly from local raw materials.

White beads were made from clay, shells. Black and blue beads were made from iron, charcoal, seeds, clay, or horn etc. Now beadworkers have replaced the older beads with new materials and use more elaborate colour schemes. The beading today is done by the women in their homes (while the men are out looking after livestock).

Aspiga has adapted some of the Masai original designs and made them into unique pieces of jewellery for the Western World, along with new bespoke designs, all of which will stand out in the crowd and compliment the continuing catwalk trends of bright colours for Spring / Summer 2012.

The Masai Collection will sit alongside Aspiga's 2012 Collection of stylish and ethical footwear, which will sell online from the end of February www.aspiga.com or 100 stockists across the UK.

Aspiga are especially proud to be helping fight poverty in Africa through Trade not Aid, as they are giving much needed jobs by using eight small suppliers all with local workforces. On top of this they also donating a percentage of their profits to a small orphanage in Nairobi called The Brydges Centre. Sandals from £35.00.

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