A Defining Moment for Maison Motema
This week, our founder, Verlaine Diane, had the honor of meeting with the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, to share the vision of Maison Motema. More than a brand, Maison Motema is a movement rooted in heritage craftsmanship, women’s empowerment, and sustainable luxury.
This encounter reaffirmed our conviction: luxury is not only about artistry, but also about responsibility and impact.
Aligning Luxury with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
At Maison Motema, we believe every piece must carry meaning beyond its form. Our commitments directly reflect several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 5: Gender Equality – Empowering women artisans by ensuring fair wages and leadership opportunities.
SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth – Creating dignified livelihoods for artisans in Senegal and Congo through ethical partnerships.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure – Bridging heritage craftsmanship with innovative design to build resilient supply chains.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production – Championing slow luxury, with limited-edition, timeless designs.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Working with global institutions and networks to amplify artisans’ voices worldwide.
The conversation with the Deputy Secretary-General affirmed the urgency of fashion aligning with these global priorities.Through each bag and piece of jewelry, we translate these aspirations into tangible reality.
A Bridge Between Heritage and Global Leadership
Meeting with the UN Deputy Secretary-General was not only symbolic — it was a call to action. Maison Motema demonstrates that a luxury brand can serve as a direct instrument of development, moving wealth from words to hands, and turning policy into everyday empowerment.
We left the meeting with renewed determination: to continue shaping a global luxury industry where beauty and impact coexist, and where heritage is not only preserved but celebrated on the world stage.
About Maison Motema
Maison Motema is a New York-based slow luxury brand crafting handmade leather bags and bronze jewelry, created in collaboration with artisans across Africa. Each piece is designed as a vessel of legacy — carrying stories of heritage, empowerment, and sustainability into the global market.