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“HISTOIRE COMMUNE was 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 (...and 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 displaced, the culturally curious, and a reminder that clothing can be a powerful language of self-discovery.
Every item acquired grants lifetime access to the visual archive and forever etches our name as conductors of the story being told and representation for the communities behind it.
“Clothes are living archives of who we are , where we come from, and what we carry forward.
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Every collection is born from a narrative, created alongside the communities whose heritage we celebrate. We actively INVEST, ENGAGE, CO-CREATE with those at the heart of the stories.
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.
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
Mini-series and interviews that dive deeper into the stories being told..
Representation that challenges industry norms.
/ah-gbah-jah/ ("ah-gbah-jah")
A traditional Ewe dance and drum rhythm, often performed during celebrations or ceremonies.
Agbadja is not just a dance; it's a vibrant expression of joy, unity, and spirituality. Rooted in Ewe tradition, this rhythm connects the dancers and drummers, creating a shared energy that reflects the heart of communal celebration and cultural identity.
/a-hweh-fa/ ("ah-hweh-fah")
A name that signifies inner beauty, calmness, and wisdom.
Ewe naming traditions often reflect a blessing, a state of being, or a wish for the child’s life. If a child is named Ahuefa, it could symbolize a wish for them to bring peace to their family, grow up in a harmonious environment, or be someone who creates harmony and calmness wherever they go.
/ah-feh/ ("ah-feh" , “Ah-hue” )
An Ewe word for home or house, representing a place of belonging and peace.
In ewe, Aƒe symbolizes more than just a physical space—it is a sanctuary of peace, safety, and emotional warmth. In Ewe culture, the home is seen as the heart of the family and community, where traditions, love, and wisdom are passed down through generations.
/koh-myoon/ ("koh-myoon")
A French word meaning "community" or "shared," often referring to a sense of belonging.
In the context of Histoire Commune it highlights the collective power of shared experiences and how cultures are forged in connection, collaboration, and exchange. It embodies the essence of building something that’s not just personal but universal—an identity that’s both rooted in the past and shaped by a growing, shared future.
/dawg/ ("dawg")
A branded name for the Histoire Commune community, DAWG stands for "Diasporic Allies Worldly Grounded." Diasporic: Dispersion of people from their homeland. Allies: Standing with the cause. Worldly: Deep appreciation for and understanding of diverse cultures. Grounded: Remaining true to one’s roots, identity, and values
DAWGs are individuals who honor their roots, stand in solidarity with cultural causes, and embrace global diversity. We’re grounded in our identity, worldly in our experiences, and always ready to trade stories along the way.
/jem-bay/ ("jem-bay")
A goblet-shaped drum originating from West Africa, played with bare hands to produce a wide range of sounds.
The Djembe is central to West African culture, not just as an instrument but as a means of communication. It carries stories, emotions, and messages, transcending language barriers to connect communities across generations.
