[Not Yet Available in Japan] The Charm of Ethiopian Traditional Textiles as Conveyed by the Dutch Brand “GABI”

As a child, you may have had a blanket or stuffed animal that you couldn't let go of, like your first true friend. Even as memories of those early years fade, many still have a lingering sense of that soft fabric enveloped in love by family.

The Dutch brand "GABI" evokes the warmth and nostalgia of cherished childhood blankets with its textiles. Founded by Ruth Ronner, who has Ethiopian roots, the brand draws inspiration from the handwoven cotton fabric known as "GABI," which is traditionally used in Ethiopian garments and is woven into newborn “wraps” and daily life. Ruth is dedicated to passing down this tradition into modern times.

Explore the story woven together by personal memories leading to the creation of “GABI.”

The Rich History of Ethiopian Traditional Textile “GABI”

“GABI is not just a fabric; it carries stories, memories, and traditions passed down through generations,” Ruth explains. She adopted the name “GABI” for her brand, aiming to reproduce its unique textures and colors while imbuing them with modern nuances, thus elevating Ethiopian aesthetics into scarves and blankets.

Its defining feature is a soft, cloud-like texture that is stretchy. GABI is cherished as a traditional garment worn by people of all genders, seamlessly integrating into modern life as formal attire for celebrations and church visits, as well as a cozy wrap for infants.

The handwoven cotton fabric typically comes in its natural off-white or bleached white, sometimes featuring crosses and geometric patterns influenced by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. “In other words, ‘GABI’ reflects Ethiopian tradition, spirituality, and the beauty of nature,” Ruth explains.

Ruth, born and raised in Amsterdam to a Dutch father and Ethiopian mother, reflects on her upbringing: “My mother comes from a large family spread across the world, so I grew up surrounded by various languages, traditions, and perspectives. My childhood was peaceful, yet I remember being constantly in lively surroundings due to travels and family gatherings.”

She studied International Business Administration at Rotterdam School of Management, where she built a solid foundation in international marketing, but eventually found herself drawn to the different domains of tradition and craft. Ruth pursued an exchange program at Bocconi University in Milan to explore the world of fashion and luxury, enrolling in courses on the management of fashion and luxury companies. Throughout high school and graduate school, she earned a master’s degree in strategic entrepreneurship and interned with an international fashion brand based in Amsterdam.

“While employment was an option, a strong desire to realize the vision for ‘GABI’ ignited within me upon graduating. I felt it was time to manifest the passion I had kept deep inside for years.”

Discovering Ethiopian Daily Life and the Presence of Grandparents Through “GABI”

Following the tradition etched in her DNA, Ruth’s Ethiopian mother swaddled her in “GABI” the moment she was born. Since then, this cotton textile has been a part of her daily life.

Through the long history of “GABI,” Ruth discovered a connection with her Ethiopian grandparents and family whom she never met, recounting her personal story.

“My grandparents passed away before I was born, so all I know about them comes from stories shared by my mother and relatives. Perhaps that is why I've always been interested in my grandparents’ lives, their way of living, and their ceremonial practices.

"As a child, I would gaze at photos of my grandmother cozily enveloped in a ‘GABI’ blanket on the sofa, or of family and friends invited over for coffee, sharing ‘GABI’ as a lap blanket while laughing together, and think of my grandparents whom I would never meet.

"Like all Ethiopian newborns, my mother and relatives wrapped in ‘GABI’ would fall asleep on my grandmother’s back using it as a baby carrier. Of course, I too was swaddled in ‘GABI’ while looking at such photos.”

By the time she became aware of herself, she realized that many traditions had been lost due to growing up far from her ancestors' land in the Netherlands. She also shares that the presence of "GABI" was so familiar to her that she had not noticed its cultural value.

"I vividly remember the day in high school when my mother returned from Ethiopia with a new stack of 'GABI' blankets and fabrics. Seeing them spread out, I fell in love all over again with their softness, craftsmanship, and the love woven into them."

The turning point came in my final year of university when she was collecting vintage images of Ethiopian men and women to create collage works.

"I felt a sense of hope and possibility, realizing that I had the chance to reclaim the heritage that breathed through my roots and rediscover the richness of cultural identity. I wanted to deliver something that respects the tradition of 'GABI' while shaping a new aesthetic language that resonates in today's world, which led to the idea of the brand 'GABI.'"

Through "GABI," Providing Comfort to People

Ruth draws inspiration from the stories and photos of familiar Ethiopian women—her mother, aunts, and grandmother, as well as the women she sees in local streets. The "GABI" scarves can be worn in traditional ways around the head, neck, or body as fashionable items, while the blankets can be enjoyed at home during relaxation or arranged like a wrap dress. With the core concept of enhancing individuality, "GABI" pieces exhibit simple designs in solid colors, presented in a natural off-white or a unique color palette created with natural dyes, each one different from the other.

"I love creating captivating and multifunctional designs that weave in a bit of nostalgia, offering people comfort and inspiration," Ruth beams with excitement.

"'GABI' draws inspiration from many elements such as outfits and home decor, reflecting how Ethiopians, including myself, live their daily lives. I want to share these pieces that hold connections to culture and tradition, along with the stories behind them."

This spring, the first overseas pop-up was held at a concept store in Seoul, South Korea. Moving forward, she plans to cautiously and gradually expand the product lineup, focusing on multifunctional items for indoor and outdoor use.

"GABI," woven with family bonds and the aesthetics of Ethiopia, is expanding globally as fashion and home wear that resonate with modern life. Her creations will also wrap around the unique lives and casual moments of the wearers, weaving countless stories into existence.