Rummage Studio
© 2025 Rummage Studio
Rummage Studio is a shining example of how creativity, sustainability, and community can come together to combat one of the fashion industry’s most pressing issues; waste. Based in the heart of Nairobi, Kenya, this trailblazing brand takes a bold stand against the excessively wasteful culture of fast fashion and hyperconsumerism by transforming discarded clothing into vibrant, one-of-a-kind bags and accessories. Their work not only promotes ecological responsibility and circularity but also celebrates the resourcefulness of Kenya's people and culture, earning them a well-deserved place in the AYA Guide.
Kenya is home to Gikomba Market, the largest open-air second-hand market in East Africa and can be described as the epicenter of second-hand clothing redistribution. Receiving over 100,000 tonnes of discarded clothing annually from developed countries, this hub is a reflection of the global overproduction and waste crisis in the fashion industry. Much of this clothing is unsold, damaged or considered "unsuitable"- destined to clog landfills and pollute African ecosystems. But for Rummage Studio, Gikomba Market is not just a dumping ground for unwanted pieces, it is a treasure trove of opportunity. Here, fashion waste finds a second life.
Each week, the Rummage team ventures into the market to hand-pick fabrics, searching through piles and piles of clothing to uncover hidden gems. These materials, ranging from discarded off-cuts to sturdy fabrics from Western fast-fashion factories, are carefully chosen for their potential to withstand daily use. It’s a process as thoughtful as it is sustainable, turning waste back into raw material for something useful.
Back at their Nairobi workshop, the transformation begins. Fabrics are sorted by colour, texture, and durability, each piece destined for a specific product. The next step is restoring each material to its best condition, washing away the remnants of its previous life. Then comes the magic of creation, as the team meticulously cuts, assembles, and stitches each bag by hand. Every piece they make is unique, bearing the signature charm of upcycled craftsmanship and the soul of the artisans who brought it back to life.
Rummage Studio’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond just saving materials from landfills. By upcycling used material, they significantly reduce the environmental impact of producing new fabrics, a process that often involves resource intensive farming, dyeing which consumes huge amounts of water and harsh chemical treatments. They also provide an ethical alternative to fast fashion. Each Rummage Studio bag is a celebration of ingenuity and a statement against the environmental harm typical of the fashion industry.
What makes Rummage Studio even more special is their deeply personal connection to Kenya and its communities. Their partnerships with Gikomba Market traders foster collaboration and economic empowerment, while their production process supports skilled artisans in Nairobi.
Rummage Studio’s innovative approach to sustainable practice and its dedication to creating change has earned it a place on the AYA guide. Their processes are a testament to how seemingly useless items can be reimagined into something beautiful, meaningful, and durable. For the eco-conscious consumer who is looking for a bag that is both stylish and sustainably made, check out Rummage Studios via their website.
