About Edun

Founded by Ali Hewson and Bono in 2005, Edun is a for-profit business with the aim of creating a global fashion brand, making beautiful clothing whilst committing to developing trade with Africa and encouraging others to do the same. Edun is based on a belief that style should have substance and while it has always sourced globally, as its business grows so does its production and work in Africa.

In 2008, together with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Invisible Children Edun set up the Conservation Cotton Initiative Uganda (CCIU). CCIU enables Edun to affect change at the start of the supply chain and Edun Live primarily uses CCIU cotton. This year Edun is proud to introduce CCIU cotton into the production of its Kenya Kids Tees and Edun Basics for its fashion collection.

In 2009, LVMH bought a 49% stake in Edun. LVMH provides essential support, investment and infrastructure to help Edun grow the business into a global fashion brand and support its vision to grow trade in Africa.

Through Edun’s operations it looks to build long term, sustainable growth opportunities by supporting manufacturers, infrastructure and community building initiatives. Edun wants to use its experience as an example to show the viability of trade with Africa and to use its voice to encourage others within the fashion industry to do business with Africa, helping to create long-term commercial and social development.

Currently Edun is sold globally in leading department and specialty stores.

Our Mission

Since its launch, Edun has always sourced globally from various countries both in and out of Africa, including Peru, Tunisia, Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco and most recently China. In 2007, Edun launched the division, Edun Live, a tee-shirt business which is 100% grown and sewn in Africa. The company actively works to increase trade with Africa and it is aiming to have 40% of its fashion collection produced in Africa by 2013.

Wherever Edun operates, it requires all factories to adhere to legal labour and health and safety regulations, as well as good working conditions. Edun engages independent auditors to conduct checks every six months to ensure its code of conduct is being met and works with factory owners to recommend improvements.

Edun continually seeks opportunities in Africa to support, provide trade and visibility for local businesses. In 2010, Edun begun a collaboration with ‘Made’, a jewellery producer working in Nairobi Kenya, it also works with ‘Sawa Shoes’ in Cameroon and most recently the ‘Crochet Sisters’ in Kenya.