At Oribe, the holiday season is more than just a time of celebration—it’s a moment to honor their commitment to design and artisanal craftsmanship through meaningful collaborations. For the 2024 holiday season, Oribe partnered with Kenyan fine art photographer Thandiwe Muriu. Muriu’s creative vision is deeply rooted in her African heritage, and this year’s collection encapsulates a profound sense of community, joy, and cultural pride—all symbolized through her unique designs.
Muriu’s work reflects a deep reverence for the women of her homeland—a celebration of strength, beauty, and unity. Inspired by the African proverb, “When your sister does your hair, you do not need a mirror,” she draws upon the shared experience of haircare in Kenya, which serves as a vehicle for women to come together and uplift one another. Muriu explains, “Strangers quickly become friends over the simple act of helping one woman look her best.”
Exclusive, special-edition patterns
Muriu designed two exclusive textile patterns for the collection, both rich in cultural symbolism and inspired by traditional African ankara prints. The first pattern, “A Cycle of Togetherness,” features oval shapes that represent community and continuity. “When I think about community, it’s an unbroken circle of love and support,” Muriu says, drawing parallels between the close-knit connections within her own culture and Oribe’s devoted community.
The second design, “Strands of History,” was inspired by the shape of Oribe’s iconic Curl Gloss Hydration & Hold bottle. Muriu deconstructed it into a wavy, flowing pattern that symbolizes the product of the Oribe family’s craftsmanship—helping people express their beauty and individuality through hair.
Both patterns reflect the dynamic nature of Oribe’s artistry and heritage, with nods to its founder Oribe Canales—his love of vibrant color and his personal collections of vintage hair brushes and mirrors. Muriu incorporates elements of African hair textures, curls, and coils, creating a vivid connection between the Oribe legacy and African cultural expression.
Celebrate sustainably
In line with Oribe’s environmental values, the packaging of the Holiday 2024 Collection is made with FSC-certified materials, using soy-based inks and renewable energy. Every element—from the biodegradable trays to the chlorine-free paper—reflects Oribe’s ongoing dedication to sustainability, ensuring the beauty of the holiday season extends far beyond the gifts themselves.
Creating moments of joy
Wrapped in warm, jubilant colors, the six limited-edition gift sets designed by Muriu offer more than luxurious haircare—they provide a moment of joy and reflection during the often hectic holiday season.
“A big part of my identity as an artist is creating happy art,” says Muriu. “I want to relive warm memories and celebrate the beauty in the moments we forget or we don’t see. And I want to pass that on to the people who are interacting with the products: we wanted these sets to create a moment of joy in the middle of the holidays.”
Through Thandiwe Muriu’s visionary artistry, the Oribe’s 2024 Holiday Collection encapsulates the essence of care, connection, and creativity—just in time to spread joy to loved ones.
Images courtesy of Oribe.