Feben

mitment to celebrating Black culture, craftsmanship, and female empowerment. Her collections often feature handmade and decorated garments, created in collaboration with artisans in Ghana, emphasizing sustainability and cultural heritage. Feben’s vision is to make every woman feel like a work of art, offering confidence and a sense of being ‘caressed’ by her designs. The brand has quickly gained international acclaim, dressing celebrities such as Beyoncé, Emily Ratajkowski, and Jorja Smith, and has been featured at London and Milan Fashion Weeks, supported by initiatives like NEWGEN and Dolce & Gabbana.

Philosophy

Feben’s philosophy centers on using fashion as a tool for change, self-expression, and empowerment. She seeks to challenge Eurocentric ideals, celebrate Black femme bodies, and create space for vulnerability within the ‘strong Black woman’ narrative. Her work is community-focused, aiming to uplift emerging designers of color and collaborate with global artisans. Feben believes in the power of care, love, and education through design, striving to make every woman feel confident and celebrated as a unique work of art.

Sustainability

Materials: Uses upcycled materials, handmade and decorated garments, and collaborates with artisans in Accra, Ghana, for beaded and fabric pieces. Practices: Prioritizes ethical production, supports small businesses and artisans globally, and focuses on reducing waste through upcycling. Commitment: Feben is dedicated to sustainable and inclusive fashion, lifting up other creatives, and giving back to the community through mentorship and collaboration.

Founders

Feben Vemmenby, Background: Born in North Korea, Feben spent her early years in refugee camps before settling in Sweden with her Ethiopian mother. Introduced to fashion by her mother, she moved to the UK with minimal resources, studied at Central Saint Martins (MA Womenswear) as an Isabella Blow Foundation scholar, and founded her eponymous brand after graduating in 2020. Her personal journey and multicultural heritage deeply influence her design philosophy and commitment to inclusivity and social progress.

Background

Feben Vemmenby’s background is marked by displacement, resilience, and a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Born in North Korea, she experienced life in refugee camps before finding stability in Sweden. Her Ethiopian heritage and upbringing in Europe inform her multicultural perspective. She trained at London’s Central Saint Martins, supported by the Isabella Blow Foundation, and quickly rose to prominence after her graduate collection caught the attention of Beyoncé. Feben’s brand is a reflection of her journey, blending tradition, craft, and contemporary innovation.

History

Feben launched her brand after graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2020, gaining immediate recognition for her bold, surrealist graduate collection. She was selected for the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN initiative, debuted at London Fashion Week in September 2022, and has since shown at Milan Fashion Week with support from Dolce & Gabbana. Her Reign SS25 collection marked her first independent show during London Fashion Week September 2024. Feben has dressed international stars and received the Breakthrough Designer award at the Elle Style Awards in September 2024. Her collaborations with artisans in Ghana highlight her commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability.