The history of beading runs deep in Kenya. Nearly every community in the East African country boasts age-old traditions of beadwork that have been passed down from generation to generation, each region’s style defined by distinct patterns, colors, and materials. A craft practiced largely by women, these beaded creations denote many things, including social status and cultural identity, while also being symbolic of traits like bravery and strength. For Jennifer Mulli, these creations are also a key puzzle piece in the preservation of her heritage and the upliftment of women, two endeavors that she’s made her top priority.

Bold, sculptural, and seriously sophisticated, Jiamini’s collections offer a range of show-stopping embellishment and woven bags inspired by simple, classic shapes, pieces that through the use of bright colors, natural fibres, and singular artisanal techniques beautifully convey the diversity of African culture and creativity. From elaborate, beaded neckpieces and brass chokers, to statement wrist cuffs embedded with beaded panels and striking woven tote bags, the brand’s pieces are expressly designed to complement the body’s feminine form and grace. There’s also an unabashed confidence to Jiamini’s artisanal creations, one that according to Mulli is expressed most fully in the brand’s African Queen jewelry collection, which takes its inspiration from the traditional, sculptural pieces worn by the Maasai.

“They are my favorite for sure,” she admits of the head-turning neckpieces in the collection. “I believe in them so much. I wear them and I feel African and traditional but contemporary and modern at the same time.” Everything, including the jewelry's gleaming touches of brass, is locally made, and though they’re inspired by Maasai tradition, Mulli has given them her own little spin via a combination of materials including sisal, wool, leather, and more. “Traditionally they’re beaded onto wire,” she explains “But we find leather lies on the neck better and holds the shape well, plus it gives that comfortable and soft feel on the skin.” 

Also driving Jiamini’s mission is the desire to promote African culture, tradition, and fashion internationally, a market Mulli absolutely has plans to penetrate—something that Jiamini’s selection for participation in the Ethical Fashion Initiative’s first Accelerator Programme will no doubt propel. Established to provide existing fashion brands producing in Africa additional support to accelerate their business in the global marketplace, the selected designers will get to reveal their latest collections in 2021 during Pitti Uomo, the bi-annual international menswear trade show where designers such as Telfar, Jil Sander and Givenchy have all shown in the past.

“I can tell you we read that email 50 times,” she says of learning about Jiamini’s selection. “I only applied to gauge how industry experts perceive my products because many people dismissed my neckpieces as being too big or not for this market, but I believed in it.” Never in her wildest dreams did she see herself being a part of the program but she's quick to credit it for changing the way she looks at her business, and helping her to understand the value of what Jiamini is doing. “It just made me realize that we as Africans absolutely have what it takes,” she asserts. “Don’t dismiss us. We may not have the right infrastructure quite yet, but we can sit at the same table as the best of them and speak the very same language of fashion."