Hand-Woven Dress (2014)
Cultural heritage of Ethiopia
design Details
Hand-Woven Dress
lemlem
2014
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Hand-Woven textile
Class: Textiles – Woven
Medium: Cotton
Dimensions: Traditional Ethiopian hand-woven textiles are rooted in the shema weaving tradition, practiced for centuries. Cotton is hand-spun, and narrow strips are woven on horizontal looms, then sewn together to create garments such as the habesha kemis. The fabric is lightweight, breathable, and valued for its soft texture and hand-crafted character. A defining technique is the tibeb border, made using supplementary weft weaving with geometric motifs and subtle color accents. These patterns often indicate cultural identity and occasion. The careful, hand-controlled process produces slight irregularities that signal authenticity, reflecting Ethiopia’s strong connection between textile craftsmanship, tradition, and design.
(Source: The Museum at FIT Website)
About Lemlem
lemlem is a women’s resortwear and swimwear brand founded by supermodel Liya Kebede, and is made entirely and responsibly in Africa. Known for its light, elegant designs, lemlem combines modern silhouettes with traditional handwoven textiles, creating garments that reflect both contemporary style and African heritage. At the heart of lemlem’s mission is the preservation of Ethiopia’s traditional weaving practices and the creation of sustainable socio-economic opportunities for artisans and their communities. By working directly with local weavers and production partners, the brand supports fair wages, skills development, and long-term livelihoods, positioning fashion as a tool for cultural preservation and economic empowerment across Africa.
(Source: LEMLEM website)