José Hendo Unveils “Tradition Reimagined” at Africa Day UK 2025

Eco-sustainable fashion designer José Hendo, representing Uganda, unveiled her powerful new collection, Tradition Reimagined, at Africa Day UK 2025, held at Novotel London West in Hammersmith.
Aligned with the African Union’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparation, “the presentation offered a striking redefinition of how cultural heritage, design innovation, and sustainability intersect.

Tradition Reimagined reinterprets traditional Ugandan attire through a contemporary lens, using barkcloth a UNESCO-recognized, biodegradable textile made from the Mutuba tree. Hendo’s signature “Sustainable by Design” philosophy is woven throughout the collection, challenging the fast fashion industry and honoring ancestral craftsmanship.

Drawing inspiration from the Ugandan Coat of Arms and the Crested Crane Uganda’s national bird the collection symbolizes dignity, unity, and environmental harmony. These values resonate deeply with Ugandan identity and the broader African reparative justice movement.
Part of the acclaimed PPF Design Series, the collection mirrors the cyclical rhythm of the River Nile, celebrating the flow between past, present, and future. Each piece reflects the enduring strength of tradition and the transformative power of ethical fashion.

A celebration of identity, sustainability, and cultural resilience, Tradition Reimagined marks a landmark moment in the ongoing dialogue between fashion and justice.

Makeup @fashionface and @_lindseystokes_
Photo credit @teriimelda @ruthieemn Models @agatha.nantume and @isaiahwamala4