Support Yoshita 1967 and Empower Women Artisans

In 2020, Yoshita 1967 was born from a single spool of yarn and a crochet needle, driven by the vision of Creative Director Anil Padia. Inspired by his family’s migration from Gujarat, India, to Kenya, Anil’s journey reflects a deep commitment to preserving cultural heritage while embracing modern artistry.

Anil’s path to establishing Yoshita 1967 has been both personal and transformative. Balancing between Paris, where he earned and reinvested his resources, and Nairobi, where he nurtured his project, Anil’s dedication is evident in every step of the process. His hands-on approach and self-funding have been pivotal in bringing this vision to life.

Our project began with Catherine Wanjalo, the first artisan Anil worked with. Today, Yoshita 1967 supports a growing team of 21 skilled women, including Catherine, Lillian, and Mama Wangare—three single mothers who channel their inherited crochet skills into crafting luxury handmade garments. Additionally, we’ve trained 18 more artisans, including missionary nuns from Zimbabwe who have made Kenya their home.

Yoshita 1967 is more than a fashion brand; it’s a movement to empower women, preserve traditional craftsmanship, and foster sustainable practices. Committed to slow production and zero waste, each garment in our new collection is 100% handmade, with unsold pieces carefully undone and refashioned into unique creations. Each garment we create tells a story of resilience, artistry, and cultural pride.

We are now on the cusp of a major milestone—launching at Paris Fashion Week. To make this dream a reality, we are raising €25,000. These funds will support our debut at the fashion week, kickstart our first production, and complete our website.

Your support will not only help us achieve this goal but also contribute to a greater cause—empowering local artisans and preserving their craft. Join us in making a difference and celebrating the art of handmade fashion.