“HistoireCommune is born from a desire to hold onto the stories that often go untold
__mine, yours, theirs.”
For Togolese-American Adventus, the question 'Where are you from?’ became a constant echo, shaped by a life lived across five countries and three continents
( yes, learning Dutch is still very much in progress :D).
This journey, while enriching, also created a sense of in-betweenness, a feeling of belonging to many places and yet fully to none. HISTOIRE COMMUNE was born from a desire to hold onto the stories that often go untold:
mine, yours, theirs.
It is a celebration of the stories that challenge singular narratives. It's a space for the migrant, the culturally curious, and a reminder that clothes are living archives of who we are, where we come from, and what we carry forward.
01. Invest
CRAFTSMANSHIP & ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
Understanding the economic context of the communities we engage with is essential. In togo, for instance, the average single-family household earns approximately €299.71 per month. At histoire commune, we aim to use our platform to create meaningful opportunities and contribute to a more equitable future.
First, we prioritize direct collaboration with local communities in the storytelling process—ensuring fair wages and honoring their skills. Second, we’re actively exploring innovative ways to produce parts of our collections within these communities, fostering a production ecosystem that both reflects our brand’s values and empowers local makers.
OUR COMMITMENT:
Fair wages and ethical partnerships with local artisans.Direct reinvestment into the production ecosystem of each community we work with.Prioritizing slow and ethical production practices.
02. Engage
EDUCATION & CULTURAL PRESERVATION
We believe that impact extends beyond the garment. We partner with grassroots organizations to fund educational initiatives in the communities we work with. We also welcome your suggestions if you have knowledge of the community in focus. Your active participation is always encouraged as we work together to create meaningful impact.
OUR APPROACH:
Funding for supplies and creative education programs. Supporting/ hosting local workshops. Creating mentorship programs between artisans and young creators.
03. Co-Create
AUTHENTIC REPRESENTATION
We believe in showcasing real faces behind real stories. Our campaigns, films, and visuals celebrate the people who are part of the work and those in our immediate community, ensuring that underrepresented voices are seen and heard.
OUR APPROACH:
Sharing the Collection in the community to foster pride
Community members are not just background figures—they are at the forefront
Representation that challenges industry norms.
Every piece offers lifetime access to its visual archive, affirms our role in the story, and empowers the communities that shaped it.