Directory: Mother of Gao

Mother of Gao is a South African brand that focuses on considerate, sustainable design across fashion and décor. Having recently debuted its first clothing collection at South African Fashion Week, the brand has grown from its origins in accessories to...

Features

Mother of Gao is a South African brand that focuses on considerate, sustainable design across fashion and décor. Having recently debuted its first clothing collection at South African Fashion Week, the brand has grown from its origins in accessories to offering a full fashion line. Mother of Gao centres slow design, inclusivity, and natural dye techniques to create thoughtful, enduring products.

Resources and materials

Works primarily with natural fibres such as linen and cotton
Materials are selected for compatibility with in-house natural dye techniques
All textiles are sourced from a local fabric store
Uses only 100% organic textiles
No synthetic dyes or toxic finishes are used

Making and manufacturing

All products are handmade by the founder
Natural dyeing is done in-house, using food waste and botanical sources
Off-cuts are transformed into accessories such as bags
Small fabric scraps are used as stuffing for scatter cushions to avoid waste
Production is zero-waste and slow

Social and cultural

Plantable seed paper thank-you cards encourage customers to grow their own flowers or vegetables
Inspires a cultural shift by promoting natural dyeing using food waste and sustainable living practices

Product and design

Designs reversible items to combat overconsumption
Offers unisex garments to encourage inclusivity
Size inclusive, ranging from S to XXXL, with custom-made options available
Detailed production and quality assurance ensure garments are long-lasting
Customers are encouraged to return unused items for recycling, receiving a discount voucher in return