In October 2021, I committed to being more mindful of my fashion choices. I called this initiative my “sustainable spotlight” and featured recently discovered brands. One such brand is Elisamama, a farm-to-fashion brand known for its artisan-produced clothing from Nigeria.
Elisamama History
Fisayo Che, a Nigerian-born Californian, launched Elisamama in 2020. The brand came into existence when Fisayo visited Nigeria to have clothing made for her daughters and discovered artisans struggling to make a living. She fell in love with the vibrant, joyful prints created by these artisans. The Elisamama brand also makes little girls’ clothing also sourced in Nigeria.
The rest, they say, is history. Elisamama now has a team of committed Nigerian artisans, and Saks Fifth Avenue is among the stores that carry the Elisamana brand. During COVID-19, many minority businesses struggled, and Saks committed to supporting more minority-owned brands.
This beautiful Adunni Maxi dress is made of 100% cotton, a comfortable natural fabric, and hand-printed in Nigeria using traditional, age-old batik; a technique passed down across generations. This uniquely crafted maxi dress received many compliments when I attended brunch at the Hotel Hershey for Father’s Day.
Other Brands Featured in my Sustainable Spotlight/Support Small Minority Businesses:
Estelle Colored Glass
Harlem Candle (On IG Stories)
Sheila Bridgesย (On IG Stories)
Kai Collectiveย (On IG Stories)
LemLem
Fe Noel
Kimberly Goldson
Hanifa (IG Reel)
Telfar
Brandon Blackwood
Akwaaba Brooklyn
Akwaaba, The Mansion at Noble Lane
The Ivy Hotel
I’m thankful for my commitment to making sustainable purchases and supporting small minority- and women-led businesses. I focus on buying less and buying better, quality over quantity, with the ultimate goal of reducing my carbon footprint.
Thank you for visiting the Age of Grace; I appreciate you.
P.S. The Adunni dress is part of the Elisamama made-to-order collection. If this dress is sold out on Saks or other online retailers, the Elisamama website offers pre-orders to secure this beauty,