If you are in the fashion industry and know anything about manufacturing then you now mostly everything gets produce in China, India, South America, and of course the higher end stuff in Italy, and USA. However, there is a new country in town and this is Africa. Yes, it’s time for Africa to rise up and what better way then by showing you what can be done there. Introducing all leather, comfy shoes and boots from Oliberté.
Oliberté is a sustainable brand supporting workers’ rights in sub-Saharan Africa. They believe in empowerment, transparency, and doing right by all. This means making premium quality products with a lifetime warranty, and it means treating every employee, everywhere in the world, with respect.
In 2009, they started off as a small footwear company partnering with factories and suppliers in Africa. Since then, they gained enough momentum to launch their very own factory in 2012. They now make every single pair of Oliberté shoes at this factory in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In September 2013, they also became the world’s first Fair Trade Certified™ footwear manufacturing factory.
I personally like their TOMPA Tan Suede boots, which I’m wearing right now. You can pick them up online at their store at oliberte.com for $85. However, if suede is not your style they also have similar boots in leather like the MALABO and WINDOK. These shoes are very comfortable but not meant to be worn for hiking or walking long distance because the soles are thin. Even though these are boots they are not the warmest either. Though, their style, construction, detail work put into these boots is what makes them so unique. Check out Oliberté’s leather bags too.
Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Pinstripe Magazine. Creative thinker and menswear designer who has been writing articles dedicated to men’s fashion, lifestyle, luxury items, home design, gear, grooming and gadgets since 1998. For info on PinstripeMag, any editorial needs or to contact me please email at marv@pinstripemag.com.
