Zuri is a fashion brand that started with a simple yet brilliant idea: to create a versatile and stylish dress using vibrant African wax print fabrics. Co-founded by Sandra Zhao and Ashleigh Gersh Miller in 2017, Zuri was born from a chance encounter and a shared passion for ethical fashion.
The inspiration for Zuri came from Sandra’s experience of having a dress made for herself while living in Kenya. It all began when Zhao, living in Nairobi, designed a tunic-style dress that was wrinkle-resistant, fitted in the shoulders, and loose throughout the body to suit her travel needs.
Soon after, Sandra met Ashleigh, a fellow American living and working in Kenya, and the two realized that producing a line of dresses based on Sandra’s design was a viable business idea. Sandra wore the dress to a wedding where Ashleigh spotted it and both immediately thought: twende kazi (let's get to work)!
To quote Zuri’s About Us page, “Like any great love story, we knew at first site.” That’s exactly how many feel when they discover Zuri’s colorful patterns and unique designs.
The Signature Dress
While they have added a few more items beyond the “one dress”, the original dress remains the core of the brand. It is designed to suit different body types and heights. Despite the growth of the brand, the design has changed only slightly from Zhao’s original. In response to feedback from friends, the sleeves are longer so the dress can be tied around the waist and worn as a skirt. Pockets were also added and buttons down the front so it can be worn as a jacket.
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Featuring 3/4 length sleeves, a Mandarin collar, hidden buttons running down the front, and pockets(!!), this one dress style is constructed from dozens of ever-changing wax print fabrics primarily sourced from the markets of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The dresses are made in Dutch wax fabric and available in limited-run patterns. While they source fabric from Tanzania, Congo and Nigeria, historically the dress isn’t African. The material was produced by the Dutch from the Indonesian Batik market. The wax-printed cotton traveled via colonial channels and East and West Africa where it became ubiquitous. All of the patterns are short-lived and modified.
Zuri’s dresses are made in Kenya by SOKO, a clothing manufacturing unit based in Rukinga Wildlife Sanctuary. SOKO was established in 2009 by Joanna Maiden to provide the fashion industry a manufacturing alternative with complete CMT (cut, make, trim). SOKO is able to manufacture, label and pack to client’s specification in addition to managing import and export logistics.
Ethical Production and Social Impact
In accordance with their mantra Look good. Feel good. Do good., Zuri has partnered with organizations that help create ethical job opportunities for the residents of Kenya. Zuri’s team of skilled makers work out of a fair trade, eco-friendly factory and are provided with important benefits such as daytime childcare.
Zuri’s team of skilled makers work out of a fair trade, eco-friendly factory and are provided with important benefits such as daytime childcare.
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2/1/21 IGTV - New arrivals from Zuri!
Styling the Zuri Dress
To show you how versatile #justonedress truly is, here are a few ways to style Zuri's signature dress:
As a Jacket
Being that Zuri’s dresses have a little bit of weight to them, they are perfect as lightweight coat before the cold temperatures start rolling in. Like all of Zuri’s patterns, they mix easily with other prints, so a graphic tee and bold striped tote make this a super stylish yet super comfortable look for, say, running errands on the weekend.
Belted with Tights
Dressing up for a nice dinner or important meeting doesn’t have to be boring. To keep things sleek, pair a Zuri dress with black opaque tights and leather booties, but then bring the fun with a colorful belt and tassel earrings.
Over Skinny Pants
Dresses over pants is a total comeback trend. It truly is the perfect combo, keeping you warm while looking oh-so-stylish. Top off the look with a floppy felt hat and strands of Zuri’s African beads.
Read also: Cultural Significance: Ghana's Dress
Zuri's Impact and Recognition
Flash forward a few years and Zuri has a brick-and-mortar location on New York City’s retail haven Bleecker Street, which opened this past August. The store also carries an assortment of straw bags and beaded necklaces from Africa that pair effortlessly with the brand’s signature dress.
Our members have been raving about their Zuri dresses! “Received a ton of compliments. “My go-to for meetings. It’s unique, comfy, and such a statement. Try these Zuri dresses to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
One of the best parts of rental is the ability to try items you typically wouldn’t purchase commitment-free! Rent Zuri and other incredible female designers at Armoire! Take our style quiz to get started!
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Design | Tunic style, fitted shoulders, loose body |
| Fabrics | Dutch wax print, sourced from Tanzania, Congo, Nigeria |
| Manufacturing | SOKO in Kenya, ethical and eco-friendly |
| Versatility | Can be worn as a dress, jacket, or skirt |
| Ethical Practices | Fair trade, benefits for workers (e.g., childcare) |
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