Xelcom Prestige – African inspired fashion with a social conscience

I go through periods when I love writing about Seville. It’s easy. I walk along the street, step into a new shop/bar/restaurant etc, something heart warming happens and I write about it. But some reason or another, it had been ages since I’d had one of those life affirming, blog inspiring experiences.

Thankfully, last Thursday as I wandered round the backstreets near Plaza Encarnación I had just one of those moments.

My ‘new shop opening radar’ was sent into overdrive as I neared the window of Xelcom Prestige on Calle Javier Lasso de la Vega. For one the name was intriguing. Then there was the window display, all African prints and interesting designs.

So Sunday, the dog, got tethered up outside the shop as I had a mooch inside. To be honest I could barely contain my overexcitement particularly when it came to the women’s clothes section where cute skirts, kimonos, dresses and tops were electrified by Senegalese fabrics. Then there was the bag and shoe section with African print high heels jostling for space with Converse trainers that have been customised with African prints.

The project, started by Georgette Chimali y Saliou Coumba, is part commercial, part social, with 8% of the price of each item going to La Asociacion des Femmes Sakku-Xamxam en Kaolack in Senegal. Not only that, every unique item of clothing is made by artisans in Africa who are contracted under fair working conditions and treated with dignity.

Georgette and Saliou, who belong to the Andalucian Association of Sustainable Clothing, believe whole-heartedly in promoting sustainability and the importance of providing an alternative to industrial clothes production.

I’ll definitely be back dog-free to take my time trying on a few vibrant items. There’s definitely a pair of Converse trainers and a blindingly bright skirt with my name on it.

Xelcom Prestige

Calle Javier Lasso de la Vega 4, Sevilla

www.xelcomprestige.com

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