Where It All Began: The Story of Bush Princess

Bush Princess is the vision of Lotti Lefebvre, a Swedish designer whose journey spans across Europe and Kenya. After years immersed in the European fashion scene, Lotti moved to Kenya in 2007 with her family. Deeply inspired by the colors, landscapes, and cultural richness of her new home, she decided to create a brand that combines European design aesthetics with Kenyan craftsmanship. This idea gave birth to Bush Princess, a brand that reflects the beauty of both worlds.

At the heart of Bush Princess is a commitment to sustainability and supporting local artisans. Every bag is made using materials sourced within Kenya, including leather and suede. The brand also incorporates recycled brass details, crafted by skilled artisans in Kibera, Nairobi. Kibera, known for its strong community spirit, is home to many talented makers who contribute to the distinct character of Bush Princess products.

The brand operates from a small workshop in Karen, where a dedicated team of 10 artisans handcraft each piece. Many of these artisans have been with the company since its inception, ensuring a high level of consistency and quality. Their skill and attention to detail are integral to every product.

Bush Princess goes beyond fashion—it celebrates cultural exchange, local talent, and sustainability. By working with Kenyan artisans and sourcing materials locally, the brand supports communities and creates opportunities while producing timeless designs. Through her work, Lotti demonstrates how creativity can bridge cultures and contribute to positive change. Bush Princess is not just a label; it is a story of collaboration and purpose.

Community Engagement at Bush Princess

At Bush Princess, we are deeply committed to engaging with and supporting local communities, and one of the primary ways we do this is through the sourcing of materials and the partnerships we build with artisans.

A significant part of our community engagement involves sourcing brass work from artisans in Kibera, one of Nairobi’s most underprivileged neighbourhoods. The residents of Kibera face significant challenges, including limited access to water, sanitation, and healthcare. By working with artisans in this community, we not only provide them with a source of income but also contribute to their economic independence and empowerment. Additionally, the brass pieces we use are recycled, which helps reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.

Another key initiative is our Beading for Education Program, which provides steady employment to Maasai women. The Maasai, a semi-nomadic community in Kenya and Tanzania, are known for their intricate beading, which holds cultural significance, with different designs, colours, and patterns denoting aspects like age, status, and clan. Through our program, these women create the beaded designs that appear on our bags, straps, belts, and tassels. Each piece is unique, reflecting both the artistic tradition and individual creativity of the Maasai people.

This program ensures that the women involved have a reliable source of income, allowing them to support their families and send their children to school. At the same time, it enables the preservation of Maasai cultural traditions and craftsmanship. By supporting these artisans, we help them maintain financial stability and independence while honouring their heritage.

We are continually seeking ways to optimize our sourcing and production processes to promote both environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Through initiatives like these, Bush Princess contributes to the empowerment of local communities and the preservation of important cultural practices, all while striving for a positive environmental impact.

THE TEAM BEHIND EACH PIECE

BRAND STORY

Community Engagement at Bush Princess

At Bush Princess, we are deeply committed to engaging with and supporting local communities, and one of the primary ways we do this is through the sourcing of materials and the partnerships we build with artisans.

A significant part of our community engagement involves sourcing brass work from artisans in Kibera, one of Nairobi’s most underprivileged neighbourhoods. The residents of Kibera face significant challenges, including limited access to water, sanitation, and healthcare. By working with artisans in this community, we not only provide them with a source of income but also contribute to their economic independence and empowerment. Additionally, the brass pieces we use are recycled, which helps reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.

Another key initiative is our Beading for Education Program, which provides steady employment to Maasai women. The Maasai, a semi-nomadic community in Kenya and Tanzania, are known for their intricate beading, which holds cultural significance, with different designs, colours, and patterns denoting aspects like age, status, and clan. Through our program, these women create the beaded designs that appear on our bags, straps, belts, and tassels. Each piece is unique, reflecting both the artistic tradition and individual creativity of the Maasai people.

This program ensures that the women involved have a reliable source of income, allowing them to support their families and send their children to school. At the same time, it enables the preservation of Maasai cultural traditions and craftsmanship. By supporting these artisans, we help them maintain financial stability and independence while honouring their heritage.

We are continually seeking ways to optimize our sourcing and production processes to promote both environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Through initiatives like these, Bush Princess contributes to the empowerment of local communities and the preservation of important cultural practices, all while striving for a positive environmental impact.