OUR STORY
WELCOME TO HAWII, WHERE ETHIOPIAN HERITAGE MEETS CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL FASHION.
Founded on the pursuit of identity, freedom, and bold self-expression, the brand blends ancestral craftsmanship with an unapologetically modern vision. From Paris to New York, our pieces have walked runways, illuminated exhibitions, and captured the attention of collaborators such as Dr. Martens, who selected HAWII as one of only three designers for their Paris Fashion Week showroom.
Our collections have been showcased worldwide, from the New York Fashion School exhibition and the Industria Africa x Afro Future pop-up during NYFW, to State of Fashion in the Netherlands, Kenya, and beyond. Artists and cultural icons such as Tayc, Dadju, Calema, Gims, Dystinct, Mohamed Ramadan, Slick Woods, Mereba, and more have trusted HAWII for tours, performances, and music videos.
HAWII is more than a brand. It is a movement shaped by identity, global culture, and the power of visual storytelling.
BEHIND THE BRAND
Meet Hawi, the Founder & Creative Director behind HAWII.
Rooted in Ethiopia, based in Paris.
In Hawi's world, fashion is not just about garments; it's a canvas for self-expression. Her designs are a poetic fusion of Ethiopian roots and emotions. She strives to tell stories of individuality and resilience. In 2025, Hawi was named African Fashion Up Winner — Best Female Entrepreneur & Best Designer, selected from over 300 applicants across the African diaspora. This milestone reflects her commitment to pushing creative boundaries and uplifting stories of individuality.
Her work has been featured in L’Officiel Italia, Essence, View France, France 24, Twyg, Style Cartel, and other international publications.
Beyond design, Hawi is a dedicated educator and speaker, lecturing for advanced fashion programs, leading workshops at Mafal Academy, and speaking at platforms such as Who’s Next Paris and Ice Addis — Fashion Friday. She also created a 3-week intensive course — Create a Collection with HAWII — offering mentorship and portfolio development for emerging designers.
Her long-term vision is to open a fashion school in Ethiopia, a place where creativity, cultural heritage, and opportunity unite to empower the next generation.
As she continues building her legacy, Hawi is preparing new collections, expanding her digital portfolio, and shaping the next chapter of HAWII with the same determination that has defined her journey from Addis Ababa to Paris.