Fashion is one of the world’s biggest polluters. Nearly three fifths of all clothing produced ends up in incinerators or landfills within a year of being made, surpassing even international flights on the greenhouse gas front. Also plagued by child labour and ‘modern slavery,’ with many clothes produced in faraway factories, it’s an industry many would deem neither ethical nor sustainable.

Through her background in textiles and design, Ibukun understood the problems within the fashion industry but also its amazing potential to help people. In 2019, she set up Bukky Baldwin to shake up the status quo and as a way to champion positive social and economic change, collaborating with local charities to create a creative and holistic training programme for local refugees that incorporates the product production processes and offers employment prospects. Liz Hibberd, Volunteer & Partnerships Coordinator at one of the partner charities says, “Our sanctuary seekers have relished the opportunity to learn new and creative skills (with Baldwin). Learning the language of art and design…has allowed a therapeutic and practical outlet for them.”

Bukky Baldwin sells original ethical handmade ceramics, jewellery and embroidered goods produced in weekly workshops with refugees. Ibukun is also an accomplished visual artist producing work in various mediums.

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