Chioma Ogbudimkpa’s sustainable fashion enterprise, Redbutton, is gearing up to introduce its digital fashion exchange platform, RedXchange, later this year. RedXchange represents a novel concept in Africa, serving as a no-inventory fashion resale and rental platform that empowers consumers to either earn money by reselling or save money by renting fashion items from their own wardrobes.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to establish a circular fashion system, ensuring that high-fashion items, vintage treasures, red carpet attire, and wedding dresses don’t sit idly but instead generate cash for their owners. It also offers individuals the opportunity to save money by renting coveted fashion items from their owners for single-use occasions, rather than committing to a full purchase.
RedXchange, led by the visionary founder and CEO of Redbutton, Chioma Ogbudimkpa, has received substantial support from global organizations in terms of financial backing and technological resources to bring the platform to fruition. Inspired by Nigeria’s vibrant and culturally rich fashion scene, RedXchange is poised to revolutionize the fashion industry by establishing a people-to-people network that benefits various stakeholders, including sellers, lenders, renters, employees, and partner organizations. Additionally, it contributes to reducing the environmental footprint associated with fashion production.
Since 2017, Redbutton has been at the forefront of championing sustainable fashion in Africa, generating value through sustainable fashion production and advocacy. Redbutton leverages technology and local craftsmanship to create fashion products, incorporating upcycled materials, industrial elements, and agricultural waste materials such as water hyacinth (an invasive plant), coconut shells, as well as indigenous handwoven and hand-dyed textiles. These materials are transformed into premium fashion items tailored for professional women, all while empowering local artisans.
Also read: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s Son in an Adorable Fendi Jacket
RedXchange embodies the core principles that define Redbutton’s mission: responsible production, supply chain transparency, and eco-friendly circularity. By harnessing local creativity, artistry, repurposed materials, maintaining a transparent supply chain, and adopting a circular fashion model that minimizes waste, these pillars are the foundation of Redbutton’s commitment to sustainable operations. Redbutton’s pioneering and technology-driven approach to sustainable fashion has earned it numerous local and international accolades, including recognition as one of Nigeria’s five sustainable fashion leaders chosen to participate in the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week’s Global Talent Digital Showcase in 2020.
The founder, Chioma Ogbudimkpa, was nominated to contribute to COP26 pre-discussion think-tanks focused on driving green transitions in Africa through partnerships in 2021. In 2019, she was selected as one of the ten finalists for the NICE program and received a grant in 2023. She also launched the Art Showcase as part of the British Council’s Creative Economy Support Program, presenting her project titled “Regenerate.” Redbutton’s journey to becoming one of Nigeria’s top five sustainable fashion leaders has been ongoing for some time, with a steadfast commitment to waste-free garment production serving as its driving force for sustainability, innovation, and creativity.