The Botswana Clothing Brand Reshaping Sustainable Design from a Modern Woman’s Perspective: MARU

“Mosadi wa Maru- a woman of the clouds, trusts in the strength of womanship”

As the fashion industry has become more confrontational, conscious and aware of sustainability over the past years, Maru is taking a different yet refreshing approach with a unique end goal in mind : the development of the African manufacturing and textile industry in the most sustainable way you can think of.

“Maru” which means “cloud” in Setswana, is a sustainable and ethically responsible clothing brand founded by Sabine Matsheka in 2020. Sabine is a well-travelled and well learned designer from Gaborone, Bostwana and graduate from LSE( London School of Economics) with a vision of championing women empowerment whilst growing the black economy in order to increase sustainability and ethical consumerism in Botswana.

Botho wing blouse and Negwedi wrap skirt.

Lesedi fold jacket.

The brand prides itself on producing locally in Botswana and having 100% black employees of which 90% of them are women. A fact that we are very impressed and inspired by.

The ideal Maru woman is a dreamer but she is also a realist and two things are at the heart of Maru, Pan-Africanism and the fusion of the elements of nature into the garments from the names of each garment inspired by women who are of importance to the brand , to the literal translations of names of each garment piece. With this, Maru aims to strengthen the Batswana and African people in diaspora.

Gofaone knot bag.

Lora A-Tunic .

With the launch of their S/S ‘21 collection the genesis of the brand was revealed. The collection explores only natural fabrics such as linen, rayon and cotton which are very airy and breathable just the way nature had intended and Maru pays tribute to mother nature through this collection by embracing and appreciating it whilst respecting it. Sustainability for Maru does not stop at just the clothing rather it extends to all aspects and this is reflected through the

reusable packaging stamped with water based ink which is completely bio-degradable. We see that conscious thinking is well at the forefront of Maru.

The garments not only carries the rich history of the Motswana woman but also an air of what the future holds for the African fashion industry, sealed in with the sweet touch of women and we look forward to it!

SHOP S/S '21 AT WWW.MARUBW.COM