You remember ASOS Africa, the international fast fashion brand’s ethical fashion project that plays by the rules and works closely with African designers to produce ethical, sustainable collections? Yeah, that one.
ASOS Africa has just released a new collection in time for the 2016 Summer shopping cycle, partnering with Christine Mhando of Chiachia, a london based African owned design label. Now Mwando has been professionally working in fashion since 2002 and has built for herself a vibrant label with a strong African aesthetic. While we would have preferred that ASOS Africa continued to work exclusively with artisans and designers in Africa, we also see the point of engaging African designers in the diaspora who already have the necessary experience and technical know how but still have a decidedly pan-African perspective.
The new collection builds on that decidedly summer vibe that ASOS always pushes, but giving it a decidedly African twist. There are print sundresses, jumpsuits and really snazzy pants, all manufactured at the SOKO Kenya factory and preserve, where a good number of the international ethical fashion collaborations are manufactured.
Mwando does a great job of incorporating an ease into the more complicated dresses and keeps them wearable. As always, the price points are a little higher than classic ASOS, but on the plus side you’re shopping ethically.
A great bargain if you ask us. 
- Photos by: Brian Siambi
- Model: Paynette Joan