Fashion brand THEMOIRè unveiled its TOGETHER by THEMOIRè // CHAPTER 04 – UGANDA Spring-Summer 2025 capsule collection, which expands on the brand’s ongoing initiative to uplift vulnerable communities through artisanal collaborations, during the recently concluded Milan Fashion Week. This collection, developed in partnership with the Wawoko Kacel atelier in northern Uganda, underscores THEMOIRè’s dual commitment to environmental sustainability and social impact. Gulu, the region where the collection was made, is known for its natural beauty as well as the resilience of its people who have faced war, disease, and poverty. It’s a community where collaboration is not just a value but a necessity, and this strength is what THEMOIRè seeks to amplify through its work.
Central to this chapter is the collaboration with women from Wawoko Kacel, a local atelier supported by the Good Samaritan volunteer association. These women, many of whom have lived through devastating conflicts and health crises like the AIDS epidemic, have harnessed their creativity to transform their circumstances. Their involvement in this project is about reclaiming dignity and agency through their craft. THEMOIRè’s capsule collection reflects this spirit of transformation, featuring three distinctive product lines that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design.
The first set of items in the collection showcases prints made from oat-based mixtures, with colors inspired by the Ugandan landscape – earthy tones like blue, green, and beige. These are applied to iconic designs like the Bios model and a new fan-shaped Calipso shoulder bag, integrating Ugandan culture into each piece. The second family of products features decorative handles made from paper transformed into macro-pearls, adding texture and dimension to designs such as the Dafne and Tia bags, which come in sophisticated hues like coral and cashmere. The final range introduces paper-made bangs on the Bios and Emera models, offering a refined yet understated sense of movement and elegance.
What sets this capsule apart is the commitment to channel 100% of the profits back into the community. Two key organizations in the Gulu region – Good Samaritan, founded by Sister Dorina Tadiello, and To.Get.There, spearheaded by Massimo Leonardelli and Piero Piazzi – will receive the proceeds. These funds will support various initiatives, including vocational training for street children and educational programs for school-age kids. By providing essential services like healthcare, schooling, and skill development, these organizations work to create long-term, sustainable improvements in the lives of Gulu’s most vulnerable populations.
Francesca Monaco and Salar Bicheranloo, founders and creative directors of THEMOIRè, emphasize how much the spirit of community in Gulu has inspired them. The resilience of the local population – particularly their ability to thrive in the face of scarcity and adversity – reflects the ethos behind THEMOIRè’s project. The brand’s founders have been deeply moved by the way the people of Gulu band together to share resources and support each other, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Previous chapters of the TOGETHER initiative have taken place in regions like Mexico, Madagascar, and Colombia, with each chapter focusing on supporting local crafts while addressing pressing social issues. Whether through providing clean water to rural schools or assisting children with disabilities, THEMOIRè’s work consistently blends fashion with meaningful social engagement.
