For each of its collections, Amsterdam-based clothing and accessory brand Rhumaa teams up with another artist from a developing country, incorporating his or her art into its designs, as well as telling his or her story on its website. The result? Modern yet timeless silhouettes made from natural materials. The ‘In Good Time’ collection, for instance, is made from lyocell, cashmere cotton, and merino and alpaca wool.

The brand not only provides a platform for artists from South Africa and other countries; it also contributes to a greener world by collaborating with suppliers and partners who work sustainably. Rhumaa has no factory of its own; its production takes place in Turkish, Peruvian and Portuguese factories that it regularly inspects.

Rhumaa donates a percentage of its profits to the Rhumaa Foundation, which sets up sustainable programmes and projects in Cape Town to help creatives from disadvantages communities develop their talents and to improve their job opportunities. One of the Foundation’s partners is Learn to Earn, which creates jobs and establishes training centres in Cape Town. 

Finally, Rhumaa has a heart for animals as well. To create their ‘vegan styles’ made from cupro (a regenerated cellulose fibre), it relies on a Turkish textile producer that is proud to call itself ‘The First V-Labeled Fabric Producer in the World’ and the winner of the ‘Most Environmental Friendly Industrial Plant Award 2018’.