About
W e r u z o is a collection of lifestyle and design objects embodying an ongoing creative collaboration with African cultural and craft histories. Transposing traditional African design signatures and handcrafting techniques into modern objects, we are not only inspired by these histories but work in tandem with artisans to keep traditional techniques and design practices alive.
handcrafted storied objects
Philosophy
Artisans
Our work at W e r u z o is rooted at the intersection of storytelling, art and preservation. To support that, we have made sure to include the design references for each piece in our collection so that you can better understand the histories of artisanship that have informed them. We are committed to creating dignified work opportunities for the artisans we work with, artisans whose hands carry those histories into the present. Your continued support positively impacts not just the artisans themselves but also the economic advancement of their communities especially as some of the areas where our pieces are made face significant regional instability.
Sustainability
We use 100% eco-friendly packaging solutions for all our shipments as part of our ongoing commitment to contribute to a more sustainable planet. With each product we will continue to ensure that our production processes are as sustainable as possible. For example all the pieces in the Celestine collection were made from locally sourced materials reducing the carbon footprint of the collection. We are following new innovations in production and packaging and will implement them as they are introduced to us.
Born in Austria to Nigerian parents, Chinasa, founder and creative director of W e r u z o, was raised between England and Nigeria, spending holidays travelling around Nigeria with her parents. Drawn to the stories and craftsmanship she encountered on those trips she began developing a design approach inspired by traditional African artisanship, craftsmanship and cultural histories filtered through the lens of her background in fashion (Erdem, Maxmara), curation (ICA, SOAS), art direction and publishing.
W e r u z o is an offering of those influences, part lifestyle brand and part curatorial practice. Chinasa’s design language is an exploration of traditional African design, fashion, art and craft cultures while reflecting contemporary influences, details and lives.