The fashion industry in Kenya has come a long way. In a country where designers have always had stiff competition, not to mention the difficult task of differentiating themselves from the former. Today, the fashion industry enjoys contributions from first-rate designers, from contemporary to African plans, prepared-to-wear to couture lines. The eventual fate of Kenya’s design industry is solid.
Sally Karago
Sally is one of the pioneers in this industry. Her image, Mcensal Fashion House, was established in 1992 and roused by contemporary Africa. She was quick to integrate the Maasai cover and Kikoi texture into her plans in an assortment she named ‘Made in Kenya by a Kenyan’. She established the Mcensal Fashion School to show style plan in 2009, and in 2014 she added one more brand added to her repertoire; SK Collection, a prepared-to-wear line for all ages. She has won numerous honours in the design business, the Smirnoff Awards Kenya in 1993 and the Mnet Face of Africa contest in 1996.
Ann McCreath
Another fashion design veteran, founded her brand, KikoRomeo, which means ‘Adam’s Apple’ in Swahili. It was inspired by the Kenyan culture, a concept that is woven into all her designs. Using prints and patterns, Ann designs for both men and women. In 2008 she established (and seats) the Festival of African Fashion and Arts (FAFA), which is equipped towards harmony working through style, and which bears the slogan “Design for Peace”. She was likewise the Kenya Coordinator for Fashion Revolution Day.
Patricia Mbela
Patricia Mbela is a commonly recognized name in the Kenyan-style scene. Her image, Poisa, produces all kinds of people assortments, a knitwear line and adornments. Her ‘Wearable Art’, as she likes to call it, has been showcased all over the world. Perhaps her most notable work is the Kenya Airways Millennium uniform design, selected from hundreds of others in a competition. Among many other awards, she was awarded the 2014 Top Kenyan Fashion and Jewellery Designer at the Kenyan Fashion Week.
John Kaveke
John Kaveke initially began planning for men, yet has since incorporated ladies’ plans into his assortments. His plans are a fragile combination of both African and Western societies, displayed by his selection of materials (calfskin, cotton, tie and color, knitwear, cloth silk, denim softened cowhide) as well beadwork. His work has been introduced on neighborhood and worldwide stages The International Smirnoff Fashion Awards, Hub of Africa in Ethiopia, The Big Brother Africa House in South Africa, Sarajevo Fashion Week in Bosnia, Swahili Fashion Week in Tanzania, Catwalk Kenya, and M-Net Face of Africa in Nigeria.
Vaishali Morjaria
The organizer behind Vaishali Creations brings an uncommon mix of the African and Indian societies to make an impeccable contemporary line. She gets motivation from the two societies, as well as nature to make gems plans and dress lines for all kinds of people. Having won many honors, her plans have earned global respect and recognition from the media. Locally, she scooped the 2016 Designer of the Year (Women’s Wear) at the Jumia Glamor Awards.
Jamil Walji
Jamil is one of the new designers, but he has the recognition of a seasoned designer. His fashion label, JW Couture, creates sophisticated designs that garner admiration from top fashion critics. He has embraced the couture culture with each line being so different from the next. He has been in the Kenyan fashion arena since 2011 but has already won a couple of awards; the FAFA Insight 2012 (a competition for emerging designers) and the 2013 Kenya Fashion Awards Designer of the Year.
Content created and supplied by: Raphael munanga (via Opera
News )
