ZAAF is a collection of luxury apparel and leather accessories produced by highly skilled artisans in Ethiopia. Each piece is made to exacting standards and showcases beautiful craftsmanship and natural resources unique to the region it draws its inspiration from. ZAAF is a word that means “tree” in the ancient and noble Amharic language.

Born in a remote village in the Ethiopian province of Wollo, ZAAF’s creative designer, Abai, reflects deep influences that span from the countryside to the capitals of the world where she has lived and studied. Her life journey has taken her from an orphanage in Addis Ababa to the United States and the rest of the world, and back to Ethiopia. She is committed to using her background in economics and fine arts to create unique and practical expressions of beauty, and to open avenues of opportunity for talented artisans in Ethiopia and the rest of Africa.

ZAAF products are made from the finest materials beautifully integrated with ageless patterns created on traditional looms. Her designs draw upon precious cultural relics and allow them renewed expression through fresh, uplifting, modern designs. Color, texture, and form merge to create a discrete statement of elegance and practicality for those who are at home in the world.

Abai believes in exercising a very high standard for goods and products sourced from Ethiopia to create a discrete statement of elegance and practicality for her customers. She is a part of a new wave of creative entrepreneurs who are redefining brand Ethiopia.