About Kipépéo
Simplicity is our spirit. Sustainability is our mindset. Kindness is our message
Kipépéo [Swahili for butterfly], founded in 2019, is a female-owned, online, independent, slow-fashion brand headquartered in Kenya. Helping conscious consumers feel uplifted in high-quality, limited-edition designs that help support the livelihood of local artisans.
Feel the satisfaction of owning fashion that benefits the well-being of people, the environment, and the planet. Inspired by the serenity of coastal shores and savannahs our designs are timeless, elegant and will provide you with pieces to love for a lifetime.
Founder Story
Connecting You To The People, Stories, And Impact Behind The Fashion.
Hello! I'm Parisa, the founder and designer of Kipépéo. I created Kipépéo to connect the world with the incredible diversity and talent of African craftsmanship. When I moved to Kenya in 2019, I was inspired by how local artisans infused their artistry into everyday items to create unique handcrafted pieces. I also realized how vital artisan craft and employment were to the health and growth of the economy and community.
I wanted to collaborate with the artisans to create fashion that could support their creativity, develop income-generating skills and provide long-term employment. Through this partnership, we can now connect the world with responsibly made pieces that are rooted in purpose. With durable, high-quality, and timeless designs, my hope is that artisan stories and craftsmanship live on in your care.
Designing fashion that creates happiness and helps others is what motivates me most. With a background in engineering and market research specialised in Customer Experience, I’m passionate about using my sharp attention to detail to create high-quality products and provide excellent customer experience.
Bigger than fashion, your support plays an essential role in uplifting, supporting, and empowering talented artisans' livelihood and fuelling sustainable growth for local economies.
Social Responsibility
You Want Fashion With Style, Durability, And Social Responsibility.
Here's what we're doing about it:
Social & Ethical Practices
- Employment Creation: We create long-term employment opportunities that help support the livelihood of artisans. Employment in this sector is essential as it directly supports the health of the local economy and communities.
- Training: Through hands-on training, we help artisans develop the skills required to make high-quality products, a sustainable income-generating skill.
- Pay and Work Environment: We ensure fair compensation and safe working environments for all of our artisans.
- Additional Support: When needed, we provide financial aid and support to our artisans.
- Animal Friendly: We avoid the use of animal products like leather in our designs.
- Reinvesting Profits: We reinvest a portion of our profits into children's education in Kenya. We aim to create a positive community impact.
Social Responsibility
Sustainability Practices
- Small Batch Production: In line with sustainable slow fashion principles, we produce small batches to never overproduce and minimize waste.
- Handmade: All of our products are handmade, meaning we produce small quantities and slowly.
- Timeless Designs: By creating high-quality and timeless pieces, we promote owning items for as long as possible and moving away from temporary trends.
- Upcycled: We upcycle sails, belts, and other materials to create beautiful new products like our sandals and bags.
- Local Materials: Wherever possible, we source local materials to support local businesses and reduce emissions.
- Natural Fabrics [Chemical-Free]: We use fabrics made from organic cotton, 100 % linen, and plant-based cotton that are biodegradable, recyclable, and provide breathable comfort.
- Future Efforts: We are continuously taking steps to become more sustainable in our practices.
