Inaden the perfect synthesis of Parisian elegance and African savoir-faire
In a world where responsible consumption has become a priority, more and more brands are committed to a more sustainable future. Such is the case with Inaden, a leather goods brand that combines elegance, ethics and African know-how. Founded by Natty Ngoy, a passionate and committed entrepreneur, Inaden is much more than a simple bag brand: it’s a meaningful project that promotes African craftsmanship and contributes to the continent’s economic development.
Natty Ngoy didn’t just create a brand of bags. Her ambition was to found a “Made in Africa” brand that would tell a different story of the continent, a story of talent, resources and know-how. It was a bold gamble when, 11 years ago, she left her job as a consultant to embark on this entrepreneurial adventure.
My project was to make Made in Africa,” explains Natty. I wanted to tell a different story about Africa, to make the most of the materials and resources there, and to take up the challenge of making something beautiful where no one expected it.”
Inaden offers bags of pure, elegant design, with a Parisian touch that reflects the personal history of Natty, who was born in Paris and is of mixed-race African descent. It’s a cross-fertilization she embraces and wishes to highlight through her creations.
“I’m of mixed race, my dad comes from Africa, and I really wanted to showcase that part of me,” confides Natty. I wanted to assert the qualitative, refined, timeless side of the Parisienne that I am.”
An ethical and sustainable commitment
Inaden is committed to making a positive impact on the African continent, economically, socially and environmentally. The brand works closely with local artisans and production workshops in Ethiopia, where Natty has discovered an ancestral know-how in leatherworking.
Ethiopia is Africa’s leading leather producer, with the largest herd of cattle on the continent,” Natty points out. I made the choice to go there, visit tanneries, make initial prototypes and build a local manufacturing network.”
Inaden uses leather from ISO environment-certified tanneries in Ethiopia, guaranteeing compliance with environmental standards and working conditions. Natty attaches great importance to the quality and durability of its products. She favors timeless and repairable models, in a “slow business” logic and in the fight against over-consumption.
My aim is to have as little unsold stock as possible,” explains Natty. I’m more into a slow-business approach, telling myself that we’ll try to bring out one or two models a year, but to do it intelligently, in co-creation, to really do things right.”
TALK Impact – WSN Show
A brand distributed online and through retailers
Today, Inaden is distributed in numerous points of sale in France and abroad, as well as through an online boutique. The brand has won over a clientele sensitive to the ethics and originality of its creations.
The brand is present in France and abroad, through a network of partner retailers, boutiques and concept stores,” explains Natty. These partners have
Inaden is an inspiring brand that proves it’s possible to reconcile ethics, aesthetics and entrepreneurial success. Through her commitment and passion, Natty Ngoy has created a brand that makes sense, that values African know-how and that contributes to changing perceptions on the continent. Inaden is an invitation to consume differently, to choose quality products that are sustainable and value-driven.
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