In 2001 a drought in The Rift Valley, Kenya left about 100 families without husbands and fathers, as the men had to travel with cattle to find fresh vegetation. To help the women and children support themselves while the men were away, Katy and Philip Leakey came up with the idea for The Leakey Collection, a fair trade line of jewelry and accessories made by those left behind.
Today, The Leakey Collection is sold online to an international market, and consists of natural items like fallen tree wood that has been handcrafted into unique designs by the Maasai artisans who are provided with fair wages. Their store includes interior design items and bracelets, necklaces and earrings made of Zulugrass and Zuluwood. They offer an assortment of items perfect for gifts too, such as eyeglass holder necklaces, belts, Eco Chic hangtags and note cards.
Contact Information
The Leakey Collection website
The Leakey Collection on Twitter
The Leakey Collection on Facebook
Zulugrass Jewelry
The Leakey Collection Employs Women in the The Rift Valley, Kenya
Trend Themes
1. Fair Trade Jewelry - The Leakey Collection's fair trade line of jewelry and accessories made by Maasai artisans provides a disruptive innovation opportunity for the jewelry industry.
2. Eco-friendly Accessories - The Leakey Collection's use of fallen tree wood and Zulugrass to create unique designs provides a disruptive innovation opportunity for the sustainable accessories industry.
3. Women Empowerment - The Leakey Collection's employment of women in The Rift Valley provides a disruptive innovation opportunity for the fashion industry to include more social responsibility and female empowerment.
Industry Implications
1. Jewelry - The Leakey Collection's fair trade jewelry made of natural elements such as fallen tree wood and Zulugrass provides a disruptive innovation opportunity for the jewelry industry.
2. Sustainable Fashion - The Leakey Collection's use of sustainable materials and fair trade practices provides a disruptive innovation opportunity for the sustainable fashion industry.
3. Socially Responsible Business - The Leakey Collection's commitment to social responsibility in their employment practices provides a disruptive innovation opportunity for businesses looking to prioritize social impact.