Jose Hendo Showcases Ugandan Barkcloth During Eco Fashion Week in Australia

London-based Ugandan designer Jose Hendo has long been at the forefront of sustainable fashion, and her latest collection, showcased at Eco Fashion Week Australia (EFWA) 2024, was a testament to her commitment to ethical design. Known for her innovative use of barkcloth, the world’s oldest fabric, Jose Hendo continues to challenge conventional fashion practices and promote mindful consumption.

Born in Uganda, Hendo has built a reputation for blending traditional materials with contemporary design, creating statement pieces that not only captivate but also carry deep environmental significance. Her dedication to zero-waste fashion and the use of upcycled textiles makes her one of the leading voices in the global sustainable fashion movement.

Jose Hendo’s collection at EFWA 2024 was visually stunning and deeply symbolic. Featuring barkcloth, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage material in 2005, her pieces showcased the extraordinary potential of this ancient yet sustainable fabric. Harvested from Moraceae trees, barkcloth is an entirely organic material that can be sustainably extracted for up to 50 years. By incorporating organic cotton, silk, hemp, bamboo, linen, wool, and denim, Hendo’s collection emphasized both heritage and innovation.

Each garment was a one-of-a-kind creation, designed to push the boundaries of sustainable fashion. Australian models strutted down the runway in diverse, cutting-edge looks, proving that eco-fashion is anything but boring. The collection masterfully combined structure, texture, and fluidity, reinforcing the idea that sustainable fashion can be both high-end and artistic.

EFWA 2024, which ran from November 1 to November 30, provided the perfect platform for Jose Hendo’s collection to shine. The event, themed ‘Closet Of The Anthropocene,’ featured over 54 designers from around the world, highlighting innovative approaches to sustainable fashion.

Jose Hendo’s showcase stood out as one of the most talked-about moments of the festival, inspiring attendees with her unique ability to merge heritage craftsmanship with modern sustainability principles.

Beyond the runway, Hendo’s work serves as an urgent call to rethink fashion’s impact on the planet. By embracing regenerative fabrics, ethical craftsmanship, and circular fashion, she continues to set new standards for designers worldwide.

Her collection at EFWA 2024 was more than just a fashion statement—it was a bold declaration that sustainability and luxury can coexist. As the fashion industry faces mounting pressure to adapt to climate-conscious practices, Jose Hendo remains a beacon of hope, proving that a greener future for fashion is not just possible—it’s already here.

See the full collection below;