ASILI

Our love letter to what already exists.

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About Us

Maisha by Nisria is a sustainable fashion and design studio based in Gilgil, Kenya. We create one-of-a-kind, handmade clothing and accessories using upcycled materials, giving new life to textiles that would otherwise go to waste.

Our approach to fashion is simple but powerful: we turn secondhand fabrics and discarded clothing into beautiful, contemporary fashion pieces. Every design is made with care, creativity, and a commitment to sustainability.

Recognized by The Guardian, Vogue Business and Al Jazeera English, Maisha is proud to be part of the growing movement for ethical fashion in Africa. Beyond clothing, we create impact by training and employing youth and women in our community, helping them build skills, earn income, and create brighter futures.

At Maisha, we believe in Fashion with Purpose - fashion that cares for people and the planet.

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Shop our Collections

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SIRI Kimoni
$150.00

Raw cream linen, cut wide and worn easy. But the back holds a a face assembled from reclaimed fragments, one eye open, watching.

And every piece you buy keeps three children safe through @nisria.co’s rescue program.

Can fit size M & L

Measurements: Shoulder 20” Chest 50” Sleeve 15/10” Length 34”"

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NGUZO Vest
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NGUZO Vest
$150.00

The Asili Collection is our love letter to what already exists. Asili, meaning origin in Swahili, is built entirely from upcycled and recycled fabrics; curtains, bedsheets, and offcuts rescued and reimagined by hand into one of a kind pieces. Each garment is made with care, from materials given a second life instead of a last one.

Can fit size M & L

Measurements:

Shoulders 18.25"

Chest 42"

Armhole 11.5"

Length 30"

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TUNU Jacket
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TUNU Jacket
$200.00

The Asili Collection is our love letter to what already exists. Asili, meaning origin in Swahili, is built entirely from upcycled and recycled fabrics; curtains, bedsheets, and offcuts rescued and reimagined by hand into one of a kind pieces. Each garment is made with care, from materials given a second life instead of a last one.

Can fit L & XL

Measurements:

Shoulder 18"

Chest 46"

Sleeve 26/8.5"

Length 19.5"

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HERI Jacket
$200.00

The Asili Collection is our love letter to what already exists. Asili, meaning origin in Swahili, is built entirely from upcycled and recycled fabrics; curtains, bedsheets, and offcuts rescued and reimagined by hand into one of a kind pieces. Each garment is made with care, from materials given a second life instead of a last one.

Can fit size M & L - Crop fitted

Measurements:

Shoulders 16”

Chest 42”

Sleeve 24/8”

Length 18.5”

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NGUVU Jacket
$170.00

The Asili Collection is our love letter to what already exists. Asili — meaning origin in Swahili — is built entirely from upcycled and recycled fabrics; curtains, bedsheets, and offcuts rescued and reimagined by hand into one-of-a-kind pieces. Each garment is made with care, from materials given a second life instead of a last one. Can fit size S, M & L(crop fitted)

Measurements: Extended shoulders for sleeves Chest- 50 Length- 20

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TANDA Jacket
$150.00

The Asili Collection is our love letter to what already exists. Asili — meaning origin in Swahili — is built entirely from upcycled and recycled fabrics; curtains, bedsheets, and offcuts rescued and reimagined by hand into one-of-a-kind pieces. Each garment is made with care, from materials given a second life instead of a last one. Can fit size S,L

Measurements: crop fitted Shoulders- 18.25 Chest- 45 Sleeve- 22.25/8 Length- 20

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UPEO Jacket
$150.00

The Asili Collection is our love letter to what already exists. Asili — meaning origin in Swahili — is built entirely from upcycled and recycled fabrics; curtains, bedsheets, and offcuts rescued and reimagined by hand into one-of-a-kind pieces. Each garment is made with care, from materials given a second life instead of a last one. Can fit size M & L

Measurements: Crop fitted Shoulders 17" Chest 45" Sleeve 23.25/8.25" Length 18.5"

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NASIA Jacket
$200.00

The Asili Collection is our love letter to what already exists. Asili, meaning origin in Swahili, is built entirely from upcycled and recycled fabrics; curtains, bedsheets, and offcuts rescued and reimagined by hand into one-of-a-kind pieces. Each garment is made with care, from materials given a second life instead of a last one.

Can fit size L & XL

Measurements

Shoulder 20"

Chest 45"

Sleeve 27/9"

Length 33"

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Journal

Maisha at Nairobi Design Week 2024
Maisha at Nairobi Design Week 2024

Our favorite highlight during Nairobi Design Week was the debut of our Hayat Collection. This new upcycled collection seamlessly merges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, a demonstration of our dedication to sustainability and cultural heritage preservation. It was wonderful to have attendees captured by the intricate details of our garments, sparking engaging conversations.

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Redefining Clean: The Case for Sustainable Clothing Care
Redefining Clean: The Case for Sustainable Clothing Care

Let's start by challenging the notion that clothes need to be washed after each use. In many cases, garments worn for short durations or in clean environments may not require immediate laundering. By adopting a more discerning approach to clothing care, we can reduce water consumption, energy usage, and wear and tear on our garments.

So, what are the alternatives to frequent washing? Here are some practical tips for sustainable clothing care:

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Social Empowerment Through Upcycling
Social Empowerment Through Upcycling

The shift towards an upcycling mindset encourages resourcefulness, resilience, and the acknowledgment that beauty and potential exist even in what society deems as 'waste.' Embracing upcycled fashion isn't just about wearing unique pieces; it's about endorsing a sustainable style revolution. It's about recognizing that every discarded item has the potential to be something more, and every individual, regardless of their background, has the power to shape their destiny.

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