Our Fabrics

At Mopepe, fabric is more than just material — it’s memory, artistry, and cultural heritage woven into every thread. Each garment is created using carefully selected textiles that honour traditional techniques while offering modern luxury and comfort.

Dan Fani

Dan Fani is a handwoven cotton fabric from Burkina Faso, deeply rooted in West African identity and heritage. Traditionally woven in narrow strips and joined together, Dan Fani is known for its linear patterns and bold, contrasting colours. Once a symbol of resistance and pride during the country’s post-colonial movement, it remains a meaningful expression of craftsmanship today. At Mopepe, Dan Fani is used across several garments — including dresses, kaftans, and kimonos — to bring structure, depth, and cultural integrity to each design. Its natural cotton texture provides breathability and comfort, while its handwoven nature ensures a unique feel in every piece.

Baoulé Cloth

Baoulé is a handwoven textile from Côte d’Ivoire, crafted by the Akan people using the centuries-old technique of narrow strip weaving. Traditionally worn during important ceremonies, Baoulé fabric is celebrated for its geometric symmetry, rhythmic lines, and deep indigo hues, achieved through natural dyeing processes. Each strip is carefully woven on wooden looms, then stitched together to form a larger cloth — a process that reflects precision, patience, and cultural pride. At Mopepe, Baoulé is reimagined in contemporary silhouettes, offering structure and elegance while preserving its rich symbolism. Whether in dresses or kaftans, the fabric’s distinctive texture and heritage evoke a timeless story of craftsmanship and identity.

Hand Block-Printed Silk

Silk garments at Mopepe are elevated through a time-honoured process of hand block-printing. Each print begins as a hand-drawn design, which is then carved into a wooden block and used to stamp the pattern directly onto silk. This technique is slow, deliberate, and entirely artisanal, requiring precision and care. Because the process is manual, every piece of printed silk is slightly different, giving the garment a one-of-a-kind quality. This method appears in many of Mopepe’s silk styles — including the Taitu Dress, Moremi Jumpsuit, Kimono Blouse, and Kaftan — adding depth, texture, and a handmade charm. Beyond the visual appeal, silk’s luxurious drape and softness make it a naturally elegant and breathable option for elevated everyday wear.

Linen

Linen is a core material throughout the Mopepe collection, chosen for its breathability, structure, and timeless appeal. Made from natural flax fibres, linen offers a crisp texture that softens beautifully with wear. It holds shape while remaining lightweight — ideal for warm climates and layering. At Mopepe, linen is often paired with artisanal details such as Dan Fani pockets or silk facings, blending natural texture with refined finishes. Garments like the Aminatu Top and Trouser, Taitu Dress, and Moremi Jumpsuit showcase how linen brings ease and quiet sophistication to the brand’s silhouettes.

Recycled Swimwear Fabric

Mopepe’s swimwear line embodies our commitment to sustainability, artistry, and African inspiration. Each piece is crafted from high-quality recycled polyester, transforming plastic waste into sleek, high-performance swimwear that combines environmental responsibility with modern design. Drawing from the vibrant world of African wax prints — known for their bold patterns and deep cultural symbolism — we reinterpret traditional motifs into fresh, beach-ready aesthetics.

The design process begins by digitizing selected patterns into vector diagrams, allowing us to adapt traditional art into fluid, contemporary compositions. These are then printed onto eco-friendly fabric using advanced sublimation techniques that preserve vivid colour, ensure stretch and durability, and deliver a silk-like finish. The result is a swimwear collection that performs in water, feels luxuriously smooth on the skin, and carries a distinct African-inspired visual identity. With each swimsuit, Mopepe celebrates sustainability without compromising on style, comfort, or cultural relevance.