An Exploration of Roots and Traditional Craftsmanship in West Africa
At Veya, clothes from the Malmö based brand Henry Rude are presented. Each garment is the result of a collaboration between designer Victoria Pettersson Henry and tailors and artisans in Ghana and Burkina Faso. By combining traditional techniques such as weaving, textile printing, and plant dyeing with modern design, clothes that carry both aesthetic values and a deep cultural and historical story are created.
Today, Ghana has become a dumping ground for fast fashion, with abandoned clothes from the Western world piling up. Over 15 million garments are received each week, and around 40% of these end up in landfills and waterways, causing severe environmental problems.
In a time when fast fashion threatens to deplete traditional garment creation, Henry Rude aims to counter this development by preserving and reviving traditional crafts and techniques that have existed for generations. The clothes shown in this exhibition are made with respect for both the environment and the people who wear and create them, serving as a reminder of the value of long-term and sustainable production.
For Victoria, this project has also been a personal journey to understand and explore her own roots within the African diaspora. Her work has become a way to connect with her cultural heritage and unite her own experiences with the traditional craftsmanship that has been central to many generations. The clothes carry both an aesthetic and an ethical dimension.
By combining local craftsmanship with a global design perspective, garments are created that not only challenge the fast-consumption culture we live in today but also celebrate sustainability and respect for tradition and human labor.
Welcome to discover a world of quality craftsmanship, innovative design, and a pursuit of a more conscious future.
