From Koh Phangan to Zawadi Hat Fashion: How Our Love Story Wove Two Worlds Into One

Two Worlds Apart

We met in Koh Phangan, a magical island that has a way of awakening your true self. At the time, we were two worlds apart. Our daily lives looked nothing alike. I found joy in a glass of wine by the beach, quietly watching the sunset. Max found his in the lights, the music, and the rhythm of parties. I was camera shy, so much so that it took him almost eight months to capture a clear photo of me. He, on the other hand, lived behind the lens.

It wasn’t just our lifestyles that separated us. We were also both deeply invested in our then-desired lives and our plans for the future. Each of us had mapped out a path, and neither of us saw room for compromise. We believed our worlds could never fully align. But what can love do?

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Our First Date

Our first date brought these worlds crashing together. Max took me to a party where he was photographing artists. I remember standing backstage, trying not to run away because I felt so out of place. He belonged there. I didn’t. Or so I thought.

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Realizing What We Shared

But love has a way of surprising you. By our third date, we realized that beneath our differences, we actually shared so much in common: values, dreams, and a pull toward creating something meaningful together. Max loved to stand out in fashion, and I loved to create things that stand out. I also carried a deep love for African fabrics, especially Kitenge, which spoke to me of timeless beauty and heritage. That spark, his boldness and our creativity, became our bridge.

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Bold Love

And then came the kind of love we had both been searching for: bold love. Love that is not shy to say I love you and doesn’t worry if it’s too soon. Love that holds no words back for the sake of looking composed. Love that dives fully in, breaking all rules just to wake up next to each other and fall asleep side by side. We found that love in each other.

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Love and Purpose Hand in Hand

Our worlds changed, but our values didn’t. Instead, love revealed that our values were the same all along: courage, creativity, and the belief that purpose means more when shared. For us, love and purpose walk hand in hand.

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The Heartbeat of Zawadi Hat Fashion

That spirit became the heartbeat of our brand, Zawadi Hat Fashion. A way of awakening love through colors, ZHF stirs not just a passion for fabric but also for people. As an interracial couple, we carry this truth in our own story: love is diverse, love is bold, and love is beautiful. Just like the fabrics we choose, our love is stitched with vibrance, strength, and meaning.

And so a quiet sunset met a room full of music. A shy face met a camera lens. African prints met a global street. Two worlds became one, and out of that union, ZHF was born.

 

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🌿 Shop the Story

 

 

• Spice Mix Collection

• Ocean Teal Collection

• Midnight Garden Collection

• Our Story

 

Each piece is crafted with care by our Kenyan artisans and designed to be styled your way.

 

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FAQs

 

What is Kitenge fabric?

Kitenge is a colorful, printed cotton fabric popular across East and Central Africa. It’s known for bold patterns, durability, and cultural storytelling—perfect for statement pieces that last.

What inspired Zawadi Hat Fashion?

Our love story: Max’s eye for bold visuals and Tiffany’s love for African textiles came together in Koh Phangan and grew into a brand rooted in courage, creativity, and shared purpose.

Are your collections limited?

Yes. We design in small runs so pieces remain special. When a collection sells out, we move forward with fresh designs.

 

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 If this story speaks to you, share it with a friend who believes in bold love, and come say hi in our DMs. Your colors look good here.