indilisi

Indilisi is a fair trade fashion brand founded in 2025 by Safia Minney MBE, the award-winning social entrepreneur behind People Tree, one of the world’s first fair trade fashion labels. Minney holds a Doctorate of Professional Studies focused on shaping the future of the fashion and textile industry, and was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2009 for her contributions to fair trade and community development.

After People Tree closed in 2023, Minney launched Indilisi to continue her three-decade mission: connecting artisan craft traditions with consumers who value how their clothes are made.

Where and how Indilisi produces

Indilisi works directly with artisan producer communities in three countries, each with a distinct craft specialism.

In Bangladesh, artisans at fair trade social enterprises such as Swallows or Dev Tech Associates handweave, hand-tailor, and hand-embroider garments using 100% cotton yarn grown without synthetic pesticides or artificial fertilisers. Also in India, they work with partners who share their values, such as equality, craft-based livelihoods, community welfare, fair trade, and organic practices. In Kenya, local artisans produce the brand’s jewellery line, bringing East African craft traditions into the collection.

The brand’s supply chain is built on direct, long-term partnerships with producer communities. Wages are paid at source, and relationships go beyond single orders. This is the model Minney developed over 24 years at People Tree, adapted for a smaller, more focused operation.

Surplus fabrics for makers and designers

Indilisi also sells surplus fabrics from its own production. These fabrics are made with a 70% renewable-energy-powered supply chain, which significantly reduces water consumption and environmental impact. They are dyed without harmful chemicals and sold per metre. They offer an accessible entry point for independent designers, makers, and small brands seeking verified, lower-impact materials that are tested for shrinkage, strength, and colourfastness, ensuring long-lasting quality. Source: Indilisi — Sustainability practices

What you will find

The Indilisi collection includes clothing, accessories, jewellery and certified organic cotton fabrics. Prices range from under £25 (28€) for jewellery to around £200 – £300 (230€-350€) for handcrafted fashion pieces. Every garment reflects the specific craft traditions of the community that made it.

This is a brand built on 30 years of fair trade experience and the conviction that the people who make our clothes belong at the centre of the story, not at the margins.

FAQ 

What is Indilisi? 

Indilisi is a fair trade fashion brand founded in 2025 by Safia Minney MBE. The brand creates handcrafted clothing, jewellery and accessories made by artisan communities in Bangladesh, India and Kenya, using 100% cotton, that is grown without harmful pesticides and chemicals, and traditional craft techniques, including handweaving and hand-embroidery.

Who is the founder of Indilisi? 

Indilisi was founded by Safia Minney MBE, a British social entrepreneur who previously founded and led People Tree, a pioneering fair trade fashion brand, for 24 years. Minney was awarded an MBE in 2009 and holds a Doctorate of Professional Studies focused on the future of the fashion and textile industry. Source: Wikipedia — Safia Minney

Where does Indilisi produce its clothing? 

Indilisi produces in three countries: Bangladesh (handwoven, hand-embroidered garments at fair trade social enterprises), India (100% cotton garments), and Kenya (handcrafted jewellery). All production is based on direct, long-term partnerships with artisan communities.

What certifications does Indilisi hold? 

Indilisi’s cotton garments are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton (Global Organic Textile Standard). GOTS certification normally covers the entire supply chain, from organic farming to environmentally responsible processing, and is verified through independent on-site inspections. In the case of Indilisi, only the cotton is certified, meaning it was grown without synthetic pesticides or artificial fertilisers.

Does Indilisi sell fabrics? 

Yes. Indilisi sells surplus cotton fabric from their own production by the metre. These are intended for independent makers, designers and small brands. The fabrics are imported by sea freight.

What is the price range at Indilisi? 

Prices range from under £25 (28€) for accessories and fabrics to £200 – £300 (230€-350€) for handcrafted clothing.