Hindeke by Hiwot is an Ethiopian couture house founded by designer and creative director Hiwot Takele, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Hiwot studied fashion design and has built her expertise through academia, garment production, and couture. Founded from a desire to share Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage with the world, Hindeke by Hiwot creates made-to-measure couture and bridal wear that reinterprets Ethiopian traditions through contemporary silhouettes, handwoven Ethiopian textiles, embroidery, and refined craftsmanship. At the heart of the brand is “Crowned Heritage,” a creative philosophy that celebrates Ethiopian identity, history, and cultural memory by transforming heritage into contemporary expressions of elegance and luxury. Hindeke by Hiwot has presented its work at Hub of Africa Fashion Week and received international editorial recognition, including a feature in Vogue Italia. Hiwot has also been selected for the Wa-Ba-So Design Fellowship and participated in the BAF and DALL fashion initiatives. With approximately 90% of its clientele based internationally, Hindeke by Hiwot is building a bridge between Ethiopian craftsmanship and the global fashion market while continuing to develop its creative practice in Addis Ababa. Through Hindeke by Hiwot, Hiwot’s vision is to establish a distinctive Ethiopian voice within the global couture landscape, preserving and evolving the cultural stories that inspire each creation.
SS27
Spring/Summer 2027 collection, “Ye Serge Tizita” (“My Wedding Memory”), is inspired by the beloved Ethiopian song by celebrated musician Aster Aweke. The collection explores the
emotion of remembering a wedding—the beauty, celebration, femininity, intimacy, and lasting memories associated with one of life’s most significant cultural moments.
Ethiopian handwoven Saba and Menen fabrics form an important foundation of the collection, connecting contemporary couture with Ethiopia’s rich textile traditions. These fabrics are transformed through sculptural silhouettes, flowing skirts, fitted forms, dramatic necklines and sleeves, layered draping, and intricate hand-finished details. Floral embroidery, appliqué, beadwork, and dimensional embellishment create a sense of movement and celebration.
The collection is anchored in white and ivory, enriched with gold, while accents of green, orange, purple, violet, soft peach, and pink bring vibrancy and depth. Through “Ye Serge Tizita,” Hiwot translates an Ethiopian wedding memory into contemporary couture, bringing together music, textile heritage, craftsmanship, femininity, and cultural identity for the international fashion stage.