The Amani Collection: A Love Letter to Lamu

For our latest collection, Amani, we knew we needed somewhere special. A place with soul, texture, and a quiet, deep kind of beauty. We found it on Lamu, a small island off the coast of Kenya, resting peacefully on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

Lamu is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and from the moment we arrived, it was clear why. The old town is a labyrinth of carved doors and winding alleyways, where the pace is slow and the culture sings through every fibre. Donkeys wandered day and night, some adorned with handwoven baskets filled with anything imaginable; fruit, stone, sand, coral, wood. Camels padded along the shoreline. Cats lazed in the sun, bellies full with their latest catch. People fished and chatted by the traditional dhow sailing boats moored at the ocean front. And everywhere we turned, we were met with pure kindness, warm faces, helping hands, and quiet authentic generosity that moved us all deeply.

Our beloved team came together from across the globe. Photographer Philipp Gross and his wife and assistant Stephany joined us from Berlin. Our incredible model Lidiia Timofeeva flew in from Vienna, while stunning newcomer Nalphy Lesoma arrived from Johannesburg. We were also lucky to work with the radiant Muthoni Njoba, a gifted makeup artist from Nairobi. Alongside my mother, Natalie—our longtime friend and someone you may remember from our team not so long ago—and me, it was a gathering of generous, creative spirits. Over five days, we experienced something that felt like pure magic.

This collection is deeply inspired by the centuries-old tradition of indigo dyeing and the true meaning of the word Amani, which means peace. More than just peace, it speaks to living together in harmony. This is a peace shared between people and across cultures, expressed through moments of generosity and connection. We saw that spirit woven into every interaction during the shoot, carrying us gently like a quiet thread linking us all.

The people of Lamu became part of our journey in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. The children were absolutely fascinated by what we were doing — wide-eyed and full of curiosity. At times, we had a trail of ten or more little ones following us through the town, laughing, helping us film, and simply wanting to be part of it all before excitedly running home to tell their loved one of their experiences. Donkey riders paused to be in the shots, smiling proudly beside our models and their four legged companions. Strangers offered to lend a hand, carrying bags, bringing water, organising sailing boats, helping with a shot, even trying their hand at modelling themselves — all out of genuine kindness and joy. That kind of connection and generosity stays with you forever.

We steamed linen by the ocean. Walked barefoot through sunlit alleyways. Watched the light shift across the water in the late afternoons as the tides changed. We met extraordinary people and made memories we will all carry with us for a lifetime.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Mutawali and Simon, the house staff who helped us carry clothes, communicate with locals, organise donkeys and carts, and guided us with joy through their beautiful island home. Their care and humour became part of the fabric of each day.

Even on the first day of the shoot, I felt how deeply moving this experience was becoming. And now, as I write this, I’m teary-eyed thinking back on it all — the light, the laughter, the feeling that we were part of something rare and too beautiful to put into words. I wish you had been there with us. Through the photos, the words, and the clothes themselves, I hope you can feel the peace, the power, and the profound beauty we experienced in this paradise we were lucky to call home for almost two weeks.

Our deepest thanks go to our team once again for their dedication, professionalism, and hard work that bring everything we create to life—from the hands that sew our clothes to the fingers on the shutter, and everything in between.

From Lamu, with love from all.