How we're changing the narratives about African craftsmanship

Discover our atelier's production practices, social engagements and sustainability commitments.

At the heart of our efforts, the desire to showcase Dakar and Africa as leading forces in the international fashion scene, setting trends and driving innovation.

Maison Kébé is on a mission to redefine the global perception of African aesthetics, style, and luxury through storytelling, design, and exceptional craftsmanship. Central to our identity is the name Kébé, which honors the legacy of our designer's father, a celebrated Senegalese master tailor whose influence continues to resonate both locally and internationally. Our goal is to shift away from unsustainable fashion practices, ushering in a new era where fashion is not only beautiful but also responsible.

We acknowledge the inherent contradiction between the fashion industry's focus on novelty and consumption and the principles of sustainability. At Maison Kébé, we believe fashion should embody both beauty and responsibility. Our garments are meticulously crafted in Sénégal, embracing a supply chain designed to avoid overproduction, reduce emissions, empower local communities, and maintain transparency for our customers. Most of our pieces are made-to-order using limited stocks of fabrics sourced from local markets, ensuring uniqueness and reducing waste.

Since our inception, Maison Kébé has been committed to elevating African craftsmanship and preserving traditional skills. By creating bridges between time-honored skills and cutting-edge European-style tailoring, we blend the best of both worlds. This fusion not only highlights the rich cultural heritage of Senegal but also elevates it to meet the discerning standards of global fashion.

 We offer professional training to local artisans, empowering them to create clothing that meets the highest international standards. Our master tailors, who are integral to our creative process, ensure the exceptional quality of our garments, reflecting our deep commitment to tradition and innovation.

Over the past two years, we have cultivated partnerships with local artisans, from bronzers to traditional dyers, enriching our creations with authentic craftsmanship and cultural significance. We also maintain our efforts to offer all our partners a fair salary, recognizing their invaluable contribution to our mission.

Maison Kébé's dedication to sustainability extends beyond our products to our practices. We aim to lead by example in the fashion industry, demonstrating that it is possible to harmonize aesthetics, quality, and environmental responsibility. Our approach not only celebrates African heritage but also contributes to a more sustainable future for fashion globally.

Social Commitment
& Circularity In Practice

At Maison Kébé, we believe that true luxury encompasses not only beautiful garments but also responsible and ethical practices. We are deeply committed to sustainability and social responsibility in every aspect of our work. We are convinced that fashion should embody fairness, respect, and equality. Fashion relies on people—the artisans who create the clothes, the farmers who grow the raw materials, our dedicated employees, and our valued customers. Our goal is to positively impact everyone we depend on and those who depend on us in return.

At Maison Kébé, we recognize our responsibility to uphold human rights across our supply chain. We believe in treating everyone involved with respect, dignity, and fairness. Ensuring that each individual receives a fair wage and is valued equally is fundamental to our ethos. We are dedicated to building modern and resilient supply chains that not only create desirable jobs but also enhance skills, amplify workers' voices, and advocate for vulnerable groups.

We strive to cultivate open and collaborative relationships with our suppliers. By taking the time to understand the complexities and contexts of our sourcing regions, we aim to foster sustainable partnerships built on mutual respect and transparency.

Our supply chain predominantly consists of small workshops specializing in specific techniques and processes. These partnerships allow us to preserve and promote traditional craftsmanship while maintaining high standards of quality and ethical production practices.

Our commitment to human rights and responsible supply chains is integral to our mission of promoting sustainability, fostering community empowerment, and creating a positive impact throughout the fashion industry.

We are committed to providing fair compensation to all our partners for their invaluable contributions. This includes ensuring that our artisans receive fair wages that support their livelihoods and economic stability. Additionally, we provide assurances such as benefits that benefit them and their families, and annual paid holiday leaves. We have an evolving salary policy for all our employees, where the starting salary is about twice the average Senegalese salary, ensuring competitive compensation and growth opportunities.

At Maison Kébé, we are committed to sustainable sourcing practices that align with our values of environmental stewardship and local economic support. Recognizing the fashion industry's challenge with overproduction and its environmental impact, we have implemented a supply chain strategy focused on reducing waste and emissions while promoting transparency.

We proudly source 100% of our fabrics from Senegal, supporting our local textile economy and reducing our carbon footprint. A significant portion of these fabrics comes from dead stocks obtained through local markets. By repurposing these materials, we not only minimize waste but also give new life to existing resources, contributing to a circular economy model.

Our approach includes making most of our garments on a made-to-order basis. This allows us to manage our inventory efficiently and avoid unnecessary production, further reducing our environmental impact. As a result, some of our pieces may have limited availability due to the nature of our sustainable sourcing practices and the use of dead stocks.

Looking ahead, Maison Kébé is committed to evolving our practices by collaborating more closely with local fabric makers. This initiative aims to strengthen our local supply chain, support indigenous craftsmanship, and continue our journey towards greater sustainability. By working together with local partners, we strive to ensure that every piece we create not only embodies exceptional quality and design but also contributes positively to our community and the environment.

Maison Kébé is dedicated to supporting African craftsmanship and preserving traditional skills. We provide professional training to local artisans, enabling them to create clothing that meets international standards. This empowerment not only enhances their skills but also contributes to the sustainability and growth of their communities.

Together, these efforts drive us toward our goal of establishing Maison Kébé as a beacon of creativity, authenticity, and excellence in the global fashion landscape, and as a model of social responsibility. Our commitment to sustainability proves that it is possible to harmonize aesthetics, quality, and environmental stewardship, celebrating African heritage while contributing to a more sustainable future for the fashion industry worldwide.

Handcraft at the heart

Maison Kébé embraces a holistic approach that extends to the diverse fields of Senegalese arts and crafts, emphasizing our commitment to integrating and honoring them in our creations. Here are some of the crafts you may discover woven into our pieces:

Our handmade bronze buttons are a testament to the skilled artisans who bring them to life. Each button is lovingly formed using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. The rich patina and intricate designs of the buttons evoke a sense of timelessness, paying homage to the artistry of metalwork that has been a part of our culture for centuries.

The 'tioub' technique is an ancestral process passed down from mother to daughter. It involves hand-dyeing various types of fabrics using two distinct techniques: fabric tying and wax stamping. We collaborate with a network of women dyers specialized in the fabric tying technique. This method allows us to preserve the original appearance of the fabric to the fullest extent.

We collaborate with an artisan specializing in the creation of traditional 'Bine-bine.' These meticulously handcrafted jewelry pieces were traditionally used to adorn and emphasize the waist of Senegalese and regional women. As a result, some of our creations are delicately adorned with beads, inspired by the famous 'Bine-bine.'