Gugu Mbatha-Raw, photographed by Helena Christensen, wears MADE51 in Harpers Bazaar
Posted by MADE51 Team on
As an initiative of UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency, when MADE51 was developed it all started with a simple but powerful question: what if refugees could use their heritage skills to rebuild their lives?
Refugees often carry with them artisanal skills that they learn from childhood. When utilised, those skills can create a dignified income, a sense of independence, and an opportunity to preserve their culture and traditions.
The central Sahel region, encompassing Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, faces a deepening humanitarian crisis. Over half a million people have become refugees across borders, while an additional 3.8 million remain displaced within their own countries.
Among these displaced communities are Tuareg people from Mali, traditionally a nomadic ethnic group known for their deep cultural heritage. Despite immense challenges, Malian artisans are determined to preserve their heritage, creating jewelry, leather goods, and other items using techniques honed over centuries.
Through their journeys, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassadors Helena Christensen and Gugu Mbatha-Raw have witnessed firsthand the impact of the MADE51 in enabling refugees to rebuild their lives with dignity.
Helena photographed Gugu wearing the Sahel Collection, crafted by Tuareg refugees, for Harper’s Bazaar magazine.
Published in an article titled, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Helena Christensen combine fashion with purpose through jewellery project, the images showcase how heritage crafts when combined with contemporary design can appeal worldwide, creating market demand for handcrafted products with a real purpose.
Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar about the project, Christensen explained: “I fell in love with their beautiful handmade pieces. Made51 products are not just stunning and of exceptional quality; they carry profound meaning, supporting refugees and making every purchase an act of compassion. What truly stands out to me is the creativity put into these products. They reflect the rich cultures and traditions of the artisans, with each item telling its own unique story — a story of dignity, independence and resilience.”