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Can sustainable fashion be profitable?

05:15

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August 4, 2026

Based in Germany since 2017, and working between Berlin and Dakar, the Senegalese designer Mame Khady Badji transforms discarded textiles into contemporary fashion pieces inspired by Diola culture from southern Senegal.

Berlin-based designer Mame Khady Badji is making a name for herself in sustainable fashion by transforming discarded clothing into bold garments inspired by her Senegalese heritage. Combining traditional Ndiakhass techniques with contemporary streetwear influences, her creations have attracted musicians, performers and creatives looking for distinctive, upcycled fashion.

After moving from Senegal to Germany, Badji faced the challenges of launching an independent fashion brand while navigating a new market. Support from Berlin’s textile community has helped her develop her label, which recently appeared at Berlin Fashion Week 2026. As interest in circular fashion, textile recycling and ethical clothing grows, her work highlights how cultural identity and sustainability can intersect in the fashion industry.

With upcoming showcases and growing recognition, Badji is pursuing an ambitious goal: proving that recycled fashion can be both innovative and commercially viable without sacrificing craftsmanship or tradition.

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.

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