Every year, H Project—our unique in-store shop filled with remarkable socially responsible pieces—showcases a distinct culture and celebrates global artisans. For Spring 2015, Alexandra Weston, DVP, Brand and Creative Strategy and the driving force behind H Project, traveled with her team to Africa. Over their two-week journey through Rwanda, Kenya and the Maasai Mara, the group visited with local artisans, practiced their traditional techniques and hand selected items to be included in our Uncrate Africa boutique. From handcrafted horns and beaded jewellery to vibrant textiles, our 360-degree approach to ethical goods incorporates fairly-sourced local materials, traditional methods and indigenous craftspeople.
To help highlight the products included in the Uncrate Africa capsule collection, our H Project team partnered with renowned tastemakers. Jodie and Danielle Snyder (the sister-act designer-duo behind cult jewellery brand DANNIJO) Amanda Weiner, (Senior Accessories Editor at Harper’s Bazaar), Waris Ahluwalia (designer and actor), Leandra Medine (fashion blogger behind Man Repeller), Lauren Bush Lauren (CEO and Co-Founder of FEED Projects), John Forté (Grammy-nominated recording artist, composer, music producer and activist), Olivia Chantecaille (Creative Director of Chantecaille) and Aurora James (Creative Director of Brother Vellies) all help us showcase the collection below.
Watch our exclusive behind-the-scenes video.
LEANDRA MEDINE
DANNIJO X Indego Africa bib necklace, tin bracelets and sweet grass
bangles; Ziya Kenya stacking rings.
Holt Renfrew’s H Project, a shop of extraordinary products with extraordinary stories, brings you Uncrate Africa. We took a journey into Africa to discover unique products and unparalleled partnerships, all in support of humanity and habitat throughout the continent.
A large percentage of the global population relies on traditional craftsmanship as work. By investing in these products, you’re helping support the artisans who made them.
LAUREN BUSH LAUREN
Far & Wide Collective necklace and beaded bracelet; Ziya Kenya bangles; FEED 2 Kenya Bag.
ALEXANDRA WESTON
Obakki dress; Brother Vellies sandals; Stella Jean zebra cuff; MADE bracelet and necklace; Me to We bracelet; Ziya Kenya necklace; DANNIJO X Indego Africa bib necklace.
OLIVIA CHANTECAILLE
Made with Love bracelet set; MADE layered necklace; Me to We clutch.
WARIS AHLUWALIA & DANNI SNYDER
On Waris: Mark Holden Lalibela Scarf; Genetics white jeans. On Danni: THE BASE PROJECT cuffs; Me to We necklace; Céline tank; Paige denim jeans; with DANNIJO X Indego Africa fringed beach bag. On both: DANNIJO X Indego Africa Rhino and Hippo paper weights and tin bangles.
AURORA JAMES
MADE necklace; Me to We bracelet; Brother Vellies desert boots; Zimmerman dress.
JOHN FORTÉ
DANNIJO X Indego Africa bib necklace.
DANNIJO X Indego Africa tin bangle; Far & Wide Collective beaded bracelet; MADE necklace; Me to We necklaces and wrap bracelet; Dean Davidson necklace and beaded bracelet; Rose & Fitzgerald horn whisky tumblers.
OLIVIA CHANTECAILLE
Made with Love bracelet set; MADE layered necklace; Me to We clutch.
JODIE SNYDER MOREL & DANNI SNYDER
On Jodie: DANNIJO X Indego Africa bib necklace; Lemlem onsie. On Danni: DANNIJO X Indego Africa bib necklace; lemlem striped top.
These products equal opportunity, education, empowerment, creativity and entrepreneurship.