In The Know: You Khanga

Throughout the year,
there’s constantly a good number of designers that I keep on my radar before
sharing. This is especially the case when I come across particular brands that
have a genuine sensitivity and passion in the products that they produce.

It’s always nice
to see emerging designers flourish. But, even when it takes a bit for the rest
of the world to catch on, there are brands like You Khanga that are special enough to be both respected and
recognised in a mere glance. Of course, having a dose of brilliant colour united
with striking patterns doesn’t hurt either!

You Khanga is an Italian footwear brand that
produces uniquely printed slippers and ballerina flats with a bold colour
story.

 

Through travelling
the world and having a high regard for Kenya, Veruscha Rossi and Benedetta Ceppi established the You Khanga brand. They
decided to merge two cultures with a high-fashion theory—combining “African
life and Italian style” would be the foundation of the You Khanga philosophy.

So, what is khanga precisely? It’s a colourful and printed piece of cotton
fabric that is rectangular about 1.5m by 1m, and often has a border along the
sides (or pindo in the Swahili
language). There is no mass production in Kenya. With that being said, each You
Khanga item is quite exclusive, and there’s no exact khanga that equals to
another, therefore one shoe might be cut in a different point of the material—individuality
being even in the smallest amount of detail.

I remember seeing the type of fabric (in my youth) that my parents had received
that were later, made into dresses. The khanga is often adorned with bright
colours and messages in the form of proverbs, or riddles. Perhaps you’ve seen
it or similar cloth if you know about African fabrics, as it’s a traditional
type of dress amongst women from the African GreatLakes area.

  Above: from the spring-summer 2013/14 collection.


More to
Love:

The brand’s contributing efforts for women and children
in Kenya is just one of the many reasons to love the company more. In fact,
donations from their very first collection for spring-summer 2014 will be given
to an orphanage in Mambrui, the
Asante Sana Roberto Children’s Home. Thus, You Khanga
intentionally creates small handmade khanga bags at a local setting, which
allows them to devote their involvement in charitable works there specifically.

What do you think of You Khanga’s
designs?

For more information visit: www.youkhanga.com 

*Special thanks to YouKhanga. Images: courtesy of You Khanga, edited by Fashion
Tales. 

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71 comments

  • Closet Fashionista says:

    How cool!! I love interesting prints like that! They look really comfortable too 🙂
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks so much, Mahshid! 🙂 x

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Liebe Kira! Danke, ich schätze Deine Kommentare immer.
    Grüsse,
    Madison xx

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    You're welcome. Happy to share this great brand. 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks Daniella for your comment, I am pleased that you were inspired and brightened in your day. Take care dear, xx
    /Madison

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thank you Mica, yes, it's nice to see the charitable initiative of brands like these. 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Liebe Rena, Ja, das sind die Drucke und Stoff mein Favorit. Die Farben sind hell und glücklich! Schönes Wochenende!
    Alles Liebe,
    Madision xx

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Vielen Dank Cla! 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    I agree! 🙂 Thanks Alexis.

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks Sam, I am a fan of African prints and fashion, of course! Happy weekend to you.

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Hehe, it's okay. Now you know them! 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    How nice, about your Italy trip. I really want to go to Venice some day in the near future. Thanks for your comment Marj. xx

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    I knew you would love them too! 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thank you so much. Enjoy your weekend. x

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks Emmy!

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Glad that you liked them too. Thanks for reading. x

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Me too! Such gorgeous prints! Liebe Grüße,
    xx/Madison

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Dankeschon! Lola! xx

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Hi Lilli, thanks so much for reading. It's okay, most brands that I showcase are not as known to bloggers. They are a great Italian brand. I wish you a wonderful weekend. xx

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    You're welcome! Happy to introduce you to this brand.

    Reply
  • Allie Mackin says:

    ILOVE them! What a brilliant idea to use these patterns on shoes!! Genious. I must look in to getting a pair.

    Allie of ALLIE NYC
    http://www.allienyc.com

    Reply
  • chictherapy says:

    I love it all!

    Reply
  • Anouk says:

    I love the designs! The flats are just so gorgeous. I wouldn't be able to pick a pair if I had to – they're all great.

    Reply
  • Ali Hval says:

    Well I am absolutely in LOVE with these colors and designs! I saw the thumbnail and knew I'd have to click and read all this the way through. I love, love big bold patterns and can't believe I've never heard of this brand before. Thanks for the introduction!

    Reply
  • Mira Devils says:

    Hi Madison! These shoes look totally amazing. I love the cute prints. Number one is my favorite. I haven't heard of the brand before and will check them out asap 😀 Happy Thursday!!

    xx Mira

    http://www.glamdevils.com

    Reply
  • Busola Coutts says:

    I think it is very hard not to fall in love with the their work. Phenomenal pieces, very creative, colorful and outstanding.

    http://www.thefashionstirfry.com

    Reply
  • WinnipegStyle says:

    I love to hear about a new company that gives back something to help others! The patterns and designs are really something special! Of course you would know I would love the bold colors!

    Rebecca
    http://www.winnipegstyle.ca

    Reply
  • WinnipegStyle says:

    I love to hear about a new company that gives back something to help others! The patterns and designs are really something special! Of course you would know I would love the bold colors!

    Rebecca
    http://www.winnipegstyle.ca

    Reply
  • Cee says:

    Talk about stop you in your tracks prints! Of course you know I'm not much for brights or prints but I'm certainly not immune to beautiful things even if I wouldn't be likely to wear them myself and these shoes are truly, truly beautiful. Thanks for sharing these, Madison!
    xox,
    Cee

    Reply
  • Cee says:

    Talk about stop you in your tracks prints! Of course you know I&#39m not much for brights or prints but I&#39m certainly not immune to beautiful things even if I wouldn&#39t be likely to wear them myself and these shoes are truly, truly beautiful. Thanks for sharing these, Madison!
    xox,
    Cee

    Reply
  • Dressed with soul says:

    Liebe Madison, vielen lieben Dank, dass Du diese Designs hier zeigst. Mir gefallen die Farben und die Muster sehr und auch, dass Du hier erklärst, was sie so besonders macht! Ich liebe Farben und Muster und werde mir daher das hier sehr gut merken 🙂

    Alles Liebe von Rena

    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    Reply
  • Lola Finn says:

    Oh wooooow *.* those shoes are soooo amazing!!! I´m in love now 🙂
    Very cool design!
    Danke dir für dein schönes Kompliment, liebe Madison!!! 🙂
    Kisses from Munich

    Reply
  • Dressed with soul says:

    Liebe Madison, vielen lieben Dank, dass Du diese Designs hier zeigst. Mir gefallen die Farben und die Muster sehr und auch, dass Du hier erklärst, was sie so besonders macht! Ich liebe Farben und Muster und werde mir daher das hier sehr gut merken 🙂

    Alles Liebe von Rena

    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    Reply
  • Lola Finn says:

    Oh wooooow *.* those shoes are soooo amazing!!! I´m in love now 🙂
    Very cool design!
    Danke dir für dein schönes Kompliment, liebe Madison!!! 🙂
    Kisses from Munich

    Reply
  • Missy May says:

    I'm in love with the choice of prints they use for these shoes. Very vibrant and pretty. Thanks for sharing doll! 🙂
    Liebe Grusse!

    missymayification.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  • mustwearthat says:

    Love the print and such a beautiful collection:).
    http://www.attraction2fashion.com

    Reply
  • mustwearthat says:

    Love the print and such a beautiful collection:).
    http://www.attraction2fashion.com

    Reply
  • Glam up your Lifestyle says:

    Ich schließe mich Kira an, auch mir gefallen die Drucke sehr gut, tolle Farben.

    Reply
  • Vix Brearley says:

    Glorious colours and fabulous prints, I like them a lot! x

    Reply
  • Kira says:

    Liebe Madison,
    ich denke das design ist wunderschön!
    Die Drucke gefallen mir sehr, tolle Idee 🙂

    Liebe Grüsse aus der Schweiz,
    Kira

    Reply
  • Oh to Be a Muse says:

    Thanks for sharing this brand. I really like the black and yellow flats from the collection. Hopefully more people will get to know this brand now.

    Reply
  • AlexisGrace says:

    These are so much fun! I love the 4th pair 🙂

    ~Alexis Grace of North On Harper

    Reply
  • Mahshid says:

    You are right they really deserved to be recognized and known….Love their prints and colours. Thank you for sharing this with us <3

    XXX from Vienna,

    Mahshid مهشید

    http://www.facebook.com/thanks2fashion

    http://www.thankstofashion.com

    Reply
  • Emmy MW says:

    These You Khanga prints are fantastic, Madison:) I'm loving all of them!

    PS Vancouver is, indeed, lovely:) We're here til tomorrow:)

    Reply
  • Glam up your Lifestyle says:

    Ich schließe mich Kira an, auch mir gefallen die Drucke sehr gut, tolle Farben.

    Reply
  • Sam @ Frills & Thrills says:

    These remind me of the beautiful and bold African inspired prints we get here locally, so pretty and unique! Thanks for your fashion input…Have a great start to the week!

    Reply
  • Vix Brearley says:

    Glorious colours and fabulous prints, I like them a lot! x

    Reply
  • Kira says:

    Liebe Madison,
    ich denke das design ist wunderschön!
    Die Drucke gefallen mir sehr, tolle Idee 🙂

    Liebe Grüsse aus der Schweiz,
    Kira

    Reply
  • rakhshanda says:

    OMG, so lovely shoes, loved the bright color! Hope you have a great Monday honey <3 Kisses <3

    Reply
  • Erika Sorocco says:

    Le sigh…the prints are gorgeous! I am so loving the ballet flats!

    xx

    Reply
  • sartorialsidelines says:

    Wow – those colours are really stunning! What a great line. I'd never heard of it before – thanks for sharing.

    Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines

    Reply
  • Oh to Be a Muse says:

    Thanks for sharing this brand. I really like the black and yellow flats from the collection. Hopefully more people will get to know this brand now.

    Reply
  • Danielle Styles says:

    These shoes look awesome, love them!

    http://www.sohostyles.blogspot.nl

    Reply
  • AlexisGrace says:

    These are so much fun! I love the 4th pair 🙂

    ~Alexis Grace of North On Harper

    Reply
  • Ms Madge says:

    I was just in Italy but it seems the highstreet in Pisa doesn't carry this brand. I love them! I'm into colourful designs and this is something that I'll definitely buy. Thanks for featuring them. Have a lovely week x

    Reply
  • Mahshid says:

    You are right they really deserved to be recognized and known….Love their prints and colours. Thank you for sharing this with us <3

    XXX from Vienna,

    Mahshid مهشید

    http://www.facebook.com/thanks2fashion

    http://www.thankstofashion.com

    Reply
  • Emmy MW says:

    These You Khanga prints are fantastic, Madison:) I&#39m loving all of them!

    PS Vancouver is, indeed, lovely:) We&#39re here til tomorrow:)

    Reply
  • Sam @ Frills & Thrills says:

    These remind me of the beautiful and bold African inspired prints we get here locally, so pretty and unique! Thanks for your fashion input…Have a great start to the week!

    Reply
  • Daniella says:

    Madison thank you for giving a bright start to my day with this gorgeous and colourful shoe collection. I love the colours and prints, refreshing and up lifting. They would make a great addition to any wardrobe 🙂

    Take care,
    Daniella xox

    Reply
  • rakhshanda says:

    OMG, so lovely shoes, loved the bright color! Hope you have a great Monday honey <3 Kisses <3

    Reply
  • Erika Sorocco says:

    Le sigh…the prints are gorgeous! I am so loving the ballet flats!

    xx

    Reply
  • sartorialsidelines says:

    Wow – those colours are really stunning! What a great line. I&#39d never heard of it before – thanks for sharing.

    Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines

    Reply
  • Danielle Styles says:

    These shoes look awesome, love them!

    http://www.sohostyles.blogspot.nl

    Reply
  • Ms Madge says:

    I was just in Italy but it seems the highstreet in Pisa doesn&#39t carry this brand. I love them! I&#39m into colourful designs and this is something that I&#39ll definitely buy. Thanks for featuring them. Have a lovely week x

    Reply
  • KizzyDoll says:

    Gorgeous shoes, love the bright colours 🙂 I hope you have a great week doll xx

    Reply
  • francesca r says:

    Italian? As lilli I've never heard if it!! I love it! The flats are gorgeous!

    Reply
  • Lilli says:

    Hi Madison! What a shame, Im Italian and I didnt know this brand! Is colorful, bright and looking at their prints makes me smile. The mix of the two cultures is impressive and is admirable their effort in Kenya too. Wish I owned one of their flats!:) Have a great week ahead Madison, kissses! xo

    Reply
  • Daniella says:

    Madison thank you for giving a bright start to my day with this gorgeous and colourful shoe collection. I love the colours and prints, refreshing and up lifting. They would make a great addition to any wardrobe 🙂

    Take care,
    Daniella xox

    Reply
  • KizzyDoll says:

    Gorgeous shoes, love the bright colours 🙂 I hope you have a great week doll xx

    Reply
  • francesca r says:

    Italian? As lilli I&#39ve never heard if it!! I love it! The flats are gorgeous!

    Reply
  • Lilli says:

    Hi Madison! What a shame, Im Italian and I didnt know this brand! Is colorful, bright and looking at their prints makes me smile. The mix of the two cultures is impressive and is admirable their effort in Kenya too. Wish I owned one of their flats!:) Have a great week ahead Madison, kissses! xo

    Reply

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