SankoShi’s designs are as vibrant and colourful as the person behind the label, Sophie Sankoh. The name is a combination of the Kinyarwanda word for ‘handbag’, isakoshi, and Sophie’s last name. Her label launched in 2022 with the idea of introducing the Belgian public to Rwandese craftsmanship, and resulted in a social entrepreneurship project. For that, Sophie works together with Empower the Future, a non-profit that reunites Rwandese street children with their families. It’s an organisation that teaches African women professional skills to improve their independence and economic freedom. Apart from Empower the Future, Sophie also joined forces with Love To Help, a foundation that provides food, clothing, and other essentials for families in need. Those partnerships resonate strongly with SankoShi’s motto ‘empowering women in Rwanda’.
All SankoShi handbags are bought from Rwandese local traders. Not only are they an ode to traditional African skill and craftsmanship, but also set themselves apart thanks to their modern twist. Aside from handbags, SankoShi also offers baskets and unisex and beautifully colourful reversible bomber jackets for children and adults. In order to select the best materials and aesthetics for you, Sophie travels through Rwanda and hand-picks her fabrics from local traders.
SankoShi is sold in Wetteren, and at different Belgian festivals and events, such as AFRORUSH and Fair Fashion Fest Ghent. Apart from that, SankoShi also has a webshop and Instagram page you can buy from.
