Kenya is a consumer of world culture. The people are receptive to diversity and the appreciation has fostered multi-ethnicity, exhibited best through fashion. In addition, the numerous different tribes in Kenya have dissimilar dressing styles. Fashion designers have tried to create a Kenyan dress a couple of times but the task has proven to be exceedingly challenging. In most settings, African wear is largely represented by West African designers and this has rendered East Africans end users. However, budding and professional fashion designers do exist in the region. They’ve succeeded in fusing local and international ideas for a practical solution to authenticity.
She has been trying for decades to create a Kenyan National Dress with the first attempt being in the 80s. There was not much support available for the project back then. The next competition received better response as the Ministry of Culture and Social Services and Kenya Tourism Foundation (KTF) backed Margaret’s idea. Several versions of the National Dress were approved but critics were still unsatisfied arguing that each tribe had to be represented. Apart from this project, the designer portrays a high level of creativity through her African designs.
She also played a major role in the search for the National Dress. Her career spans for a period of more than a decade inclusive of working relations with the corporate world. She designed t-shirts for Kenya Airways a while back and they’re currently in use. She is the owner of Poisa fashion brand. Patricia has showcased at different fashion events across the world including the Swahili Fashion Week, 2012 at the Michael Joseph Centre, Nairobi. Her collection received a standing ovation and critical acclaim at that particular event.
He is the first Kenyan designer to showcase at the Arise Magazine Fashion Week, Lagos. Kaveke’s collections are not only fashionable but trendsetting as well. He’s skilled in mixing different fabrics like denim, silk and leather with African jewellery mostly from the Maasai culture. The ladies’ line focuses on classy contemporary outfits while the men’s line is formal mainly focusing on suits. Kaveke studied fashion in Spain and worked there for four years before returning home to start his own brand. He designs the Kenya representative outfit in Big Brother Africa
This is a clothing line with an African appeal designed for ladies, gents and kids. It was founded in 1996 by Ann McCreath, originally from Scotland, and other Kenyan partners. The garments are industrially produced and handcrafted with precision for an excellent finish. The collections have received international appreciation in countries like South Africa and Italy. Adherence to high standards has also won them accolades. Their effort in conserving the environment through the use of recycled and organic material is also commendable. Kiko Romeo has designed for companies like Safaricom, Mercury Lounge and Java Coffee House.
It was founded by Kenyan Jeffrey Kimathi. Based in the US, he has dressed international celebs including Akon, Jay Z, Beyonce, 50 Cent and Ludacris. Local celebs like Churchill, Chameleon and Suzanne Owiyo also rock the brand. Before he launched his clothing line in 2003, Kimathi used to work for Ecko. He started as an intern and was later employed. This is where he learned about branding. Jamhuri Wear is authentic and inspirational. Contrary to popular perception, the brand is African and not Hip Hop since it’s geared towards celebrating Kenya’s independence and heritage.
Angelsmile is a feminine brand with qualities like glitz, glamour and elegance. The outfits are worn by TV anchors, models and singers. Wambui Kibue launched the brand after graduating with a fashion design diploma from Buru Buru Institue of Fine Art (BIFA). She is well-known for her creative bridal and red carpet dresses. Some of the notable personalities that wear Angelsmile include: Muthoni Ndonga (singer), Grace Msalame (TV presenter), Sanaipei Tande (singer), Wanuri Kahiu (film director) and Ajuma Nyasenyana (model). One of Wambui’s biggest inspirations came from CNN’s fashion show Style with Elsa Klensch.
The multi-talented Fundi Frank is one of the few designers to successfully create apparel for the cosmopolitan population. With a blend of American and Kenyan ideas, his pieces are worn by both local and international artists. He’s also one of the pioneers of Swahili rap; the movement that occurred in the late 80s and early 90s in East Africa. In his earlier days, he earned through his skills by drawing portraits. He was also cheeky at school but successful at converting his artistic talent into cash by doing assignments for other students.
She has succeeded in creating elegant dinner and bridal dresses. The outfits are normally accessorized with African ornaments. Before venturing into fashion, Monica Kanari worked as a stockbroker for six years. Even then, she would still sketch designs and make outfits for friends and colleagues. At age 27, the designer resigned from the lucrative job to concentrate on her creative passion. She has showcased her designs abroad in countries like Holland, US and Australia. Some of the awards the designer has won include: The Redds Fashion Awards and Smirnoff Fashion Awards.
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