Our Story
The passion for fashion, passed down from generation to generation, has become the core of the story behind the Ravenala brand. From the first steps in thrift shops to professional training at the prestigious London College of Fashion, the founder’s journey wound through an investment bank in Brussels to emerging fashion designer studio in Abidjan. It was there that the dream of creating a personal brand was born, starting with handmade sandals and tote bags, gradually evolving into a clothing collection.
With Ravenala Design comes not only fashion but also a story. It is a tale of determination, slow growth, and hard work. Maternity leave with two children slowed the pace but did not hinder the development of a brand that has shaped itself with an emphasis on ethics and ecology.
Every item created is a piece of the founder, Simona. It is a brand with a personal touch, where each purchase brings home not just clothing but also a part of the story and passion with which it was created.
The Ravenala Design clothing reflects the life stages and needs of the founder. The kimono style blouses were created after Simona’s first pregnancy back in 2020 as a blend of elegance and practicality. Later on, the “party collection” made of satin and sequins celebrates the festive occasions of life. Using linen and cotton fabrics became a must as living in the warm climate. Additionally, linen pieces are designed to be extremely comfortable and versatile. They are easily styled for a casual wear or to dress up!
When choosing the materials, Simona always looks upon for a sustainable option. She sources the organic fabrics online or dives into dead-stock fabrics shops.
The founder does not limit her story to fashion alone. Last collection “Fearless” is a story about the women who inspired and motivated her throughout her life and have shaped her journey. It represents the memories and gratitude to those who have influenced her.
“I am immensely happy that after years, I have finally been able to shape Ravenala into a form where I can present the results of hard collaboration with local tailors and craftsmen”, says Simona in her own words.
How do we produce our clothes?
Our values are reflected not only in the final product but also in the very process of creating each piece of clothing. It is our approach that allows us to create garments with love, care, and a focus on quality.
In clothing production, we use high-quality materials such as linen. Additionally, we also use organic cotton and “pagne” (colourful print fabric) to create the most comfortable, playful and stylish clothing for you.
We are very careful when sourcing the fabrics and production materials. We always opt for an organic option when possible, otherwise we work with deadstock fabrics. It is one of the reasons why our collections are very limited.
All our products are 100% handmade by our local tailors and artisans in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire and Piestany, Slovakia to ensure the most authentic garment production process. Our activities have a positive impact on communities not only in the Ivory Coast region, as all our suppliers are valued equally to our European counterparts.
