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Zemen Amour Tefera

California College of the Arts

Zemen Amour Tefera Zemen Amour Tefera is an Ethiopian leather designer, software engineer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and mother. She is the founder of Zemen Amour, a luxury leather brand dedicated to creating products that combine craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and contemporary design. Her work is driven by a passion for storytelling, transforming everyday experiences and social narratives into timeless pieces with both aesthetic and emotional value. Inspired by Ethiopia's rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its people, she approaches design as a powerful form of communication. Her creations celebrate identity, preserve cultural narratives, and demonstrate how thoughtful craftsmanship can inspire meaningful conversations and lasting impact. As a mother, she draws inspiration from the strength, sacrifice, and determination of women, themes that are deeply reflected in both her designs and community initiatives. Her work often highlights the challenges faced by women and girls while celebrating their resilience and contributions to society. Beyond design, Zemen Amour is committed to community development through innovative social initiatives. She founded Amour Aqua Pack, a project designed to help women and girls who carry heavy water containers over long distances. The backpack-style carrier improves comfort, promotes healthier posture, and reduces physical strain. Through a buy-one-give-one model, a free Aqua Pack is donated for every qualifying purchase made through Zemen Amour. She also created Amour Dignity Kit, a program supporting girls and young women affected by menstrual poverty. Each kit contains reusable sanitary pads, underwear, soap, a towel, and a cotton satchel, helping girls remain in school while promoting sustainable alternatives to disposable products. Her signature design project, ሸክም | SHEKIM – Burden of Wood-Picking Mothers, reflects her commitment to honoring women's resilience through meaningful design. Through every endeavor, Zemen Amour Tefera seeks to combine creativity, innovation, motherhood, and social impact to improve lives and celebrate human dignity.

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ሸክም | SHEKIM Burden of Wood-Picking Mothers

Category: Accessories

Competitions: Africa

ሸክም | SHEKIM Burden of Wood-Picking Mothers Designer Zemen Amour Tefera Brand Zemen Amour Project Summary SHEKIM is a luxury statement bag inspired by the women who walk long distances carrying firewood to support their families and communities. The design transforms the image of a wood bundle into a sophisticated cylindrical handbag crafted from100% genuine cowhide leather. Rope details reference the traditional methods used to bind and carry firewood, while the circular end panels draw inspiration from the cross-section of a tree. The growth rings symbolize resilience, endurance, wisdom, and generations of strength passed from mother to child. Hand-painted wood-grain details celebrate nature and craftsmanship, elevating an object associated with labor into a symbol of dignity and recognition. Designed to stand alongside the classic duffle bag, SHEKIM is a timeless piece that transcends fast fashion through cultural storytelling, functionality, and enduring aesthetic value. Design Statement SHEKIM, meaning “burden” in Amharic, is inspired by the women who carry heavy bundles of firewood to support their families. The bag's cylindrical form reflects the gathered bundle of wood itself, while the rope elements reference traditional methods of carrying and securing firewood. The circular end panels are inspired by the cross-section of a tree, with growth rings symbolizing time, endurance, wisdom, and generational strength. Crafted from 100% genuine cowhide leather and finished with hand-painted wood-grain details, the piece transforms a symbol of hardship into a symbol of dignity, recognition, and beauty. More than a fashion accessory, SHEKIM is a tribute to the countless mothers whose daily sacrifices often remain unseen, yet whose strength sustains families, communities, and future generations. Materials Exterior 100% Genuine Cowhide Leather Hand-painted wood-grain finish Cowhide leather handle reinforcement Cowhide leather zipper housing Hardware Premium YKK Metal Zipper Antique Brass D-Rings Antique Brass Rivets Antique Brass Handle Attachments Construction Bonded Nylon Thread Leather Edge Finish Structural Reinforcement Board Natural Leather Adhesives Sustainability All visible components are crafted from natural materials, with the exception of the YKK zipper selected for durability and longevity. Specifications Product Name SHEKIM Category Luxury Statement Handbag Dimensions Length: 38 cm Diameter: 18 cm Handle Drop: 20 cm Construction Structured cylindrical body Hand-painted surface detailing Fully lined interior Premium reinforced handles Closure YKK Metal Zipper Finish Hand-painted wood-grain effect Hardware Finish Antique Brass Cultural Impact SHEKIM celebrates the resilience, dignity, and strength of women whose labor often remains invisible despite its importance to families and communities. The design bridges traditional storytelling and contemporary luxury craftsmanship, preserving cultural narratives through a timeless object designed to endure beyond seasonal trends and fast fashion. Brand Statement Zemen Amour creates luxury leather pieces that combine craftsmanship, cultural identity, and meaningful storytelling. Brand Slogan "Your love of leather is our labor of love!" Thank You!

In association with Arts Thread

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.