Our Story: How In Our Name began in Kenya

THE HUMAN EDIT

In Our Name was created in 2022, from a belief that what we wear holds meaning - not only in how it looks, but in the human stories behind it.

Every garment makes a long geographical and human journey, long before it reaches your wardrobe. There are hands that draw, cut, sew and pack, and places filled with rhythm, conversation and craft. We refer to our ranges as The Human Edit, it is our way of honouring those layers and bringing fashion back to what truly matters: people, purpose and connection.

Every piece begins on paper in the UK and Kenya, then comes to life entirely in Kenya, hand-finished by makers we know by name, working alongside a small production partner in Athi River, Kajiado District.

Want to know more about why? Meet our founder, Liza.

Written by Liza Colbeck

ON MY JOURNEY...

I grew up in Nakuru, a small lakeside town in Kenya where the flamingos turn the
water pink. The abundance of colour and an appreciation for nature was never
something I had to learn.

I have spent my career working in fashion across five continents - learning how it all really works, and how it could work better. It was never lost on me that Africa was rarely part of that conversation. I wanted to change that (but didn’t know how or when).

In Our Name is my answer. A premium fashion brand built on the belief that the colour, the nature, the people and the sheer energy of this continent deserve to be bottled into something extraordinary. Our prints are hand-drawn originals, each one inspired by Africa's landscapes, its flowers, its light - versatile contemporary pieces made in limited editions by a team of skilled makers in Nairobi, trained and upskilled using everything my global career taught me.

Every offcut of fabric - every remnant left after your piece or a sample is made - becomes a washable sanitary pad for underserved girls and women in Kenya through our Mwali Initiative. We love that a floral shirt dress can bring our customers as much joy as it brings our Mwali girls dignity.

That is what we mean by In Our Name. It belongs to all of us.

IN YOUR NAME . IN MY NAME . IN OUR NAME

THROUGH OUR LOGO….

Our logo is inspired by Adinkra symbols, which hold deep cultural and social significance across West Africa. Traditionally used by the Akan people of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, these symbols form a visual language - sharing proverbs, history and philosophy through simple, meaningful forms that speak across cultures.

Today, Adinkra symbols continue to connect past and present, carrying heritage, wisdom and symbolism into contemporary life, and fostering a shared sense of humanity.

Our logo honours this tradition, drawing inspiration from symbols associated with versatility, inclusivity and curiosity - values that guide how we design, work and build relationships at In Our Name.

Intentionally understated, our logo is designed as a vertically stacked acronym of our brand name, ION, reading as a stacked block that reflects balance and collectivity.

It is led by meaning and quietly honours African cultural heritage while holding space for the many hands and stories behind all of our pieces.

ANCIENT SYMBOLS. MODERN LIVES

WHAT'S IN A NAME ?

In Our Name was inspired by the cultural significance of naming across Africa.

In many African societies, names are deeply meaningful. They carry history, values and identity, and connect individuals to family, community and place. A name tells a story - not just of who someone is, but of where they come from and what they represent.

I drew from the meaning of my Kikuyu name, Njoki (the one who returns). It reflects the belief that nothing we create exists in isolation. For us, every garment is made in someone’s name - the person who designs it, the person who makes it, and the person who wears it. It speaks to the idea that fashion choices are never neutral, and that beauty and responsibility belong together.

The brand name is rooted in collectivity rather than ownership. It reflects a belief that progress is shared - that value, visibility and accountability should move together, not be separated or outsourced.

Ultimately, In Our Name is an invitation. To look more closely, to choose more thoughtfully, and to honour the people and cultures whose lives and creativity shape what we wear.

IN YOUR NAME . IN THEIR NAME . IN OUR NAME

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Our Story: How In Our Name began in Kenya

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