TOP FIVE

           Inspired. Creative.
Words to describe Kenyan fashion designers on any day. Kenyans have begun to embrace and support Kenyan designs rather than opt for the usual second hand or large scale retail clothes they are used to. Fashion pieces crafted by these designers are now frequently gracing our red carpet events.
This is evidence that even though the Kenyan fashion industry has a space to fill to match up with their international counterparts, nonetheless the Fashion industry is growing and at a very fast rate.

Today we'll look at a list of Top 5 Kenyan designers. They continue to produce beautiful works of fashion that can satisfy any mwananchi's style buds, regardless of age, size or design preference.
Lets take a look.

1. Ann McCreath

Ann studied fashion in Rome and has worked as a designer in Barcelona. She took a 3-month break to do aid work in Kenya, found it fascinating and stayed on for 3 years, before deciding to go back to her profession and do trade instead of aid.

So in 1996 with a desire to help create jobs in rural areas and make unique, high quality products for retail Ann launched her own fashion house under the name “KikoRomeo”, which means “Adam’s Apple” in Kiswahili.

She retailed through her own garage shop. Now 18 years on KikoRomeo is a household name. Located in the up market Yaya shopping centre of Nairobi, the shop also acts as a venue for #FashionFocus mentoring sessions for young creatives, which she runs free of charge every week. KikoRomeo is the fashion leader in Kenya, having dressed Kenya’s A list and international clients for nearly two decades.

Ann has won many awards for her work in fashion and peace building, and was listed in the “Top 100 Women Influencing Africa” by Arise Magazine Read the Arise article , as well as being a finalist in the Ethical Fashion Forum Source Awards 2012 for “Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Fashion”. She is Chair of FAFA (Festival of African Fashion & Arts), which she co-founded in 2008 to produce “Fashion for Peace”, and is currently the Kenya Coordinator for Fashion Revolution Day.

Her story is remarkable. True proof that patience pays. Quite literally

2. Patricia Mbela

Another renown designer.

CEO and Head Designer, fashion design and ethnic jewelry at POISA.

POISA means "To Make" or "To craft")

She studied at Central St. Martins College of Art and Design and later studied at Kent Institute of Art and Design.

Her work displays a collection of vibrant and bold African energy. Authentic coupled with an aura of elegance, confidence and fun

Hers was a passion for fashion. Her fashion house currently offers internship programs to upcoming designers. She has been crowned with many awards including one from the Swahili Fashion Week in Tanzania. Her collection continues to grace international catwalks and scopes creative African Jewelry and Fashion wear.

3.John Kaveke

Owner and Fashion designer at Kaveke.

He launched his fashion label Kaveke in 2001 and today renown for his contemporary African tailoring style.

His Collections have graced global catwalks such as African London Fashion Week (London), Sarajevo Fashion Week (Bosnia), Hub of Africa (Ethiopia), Swahili Fashion Week (Tanzania), Uganda Fashion Week ,M-Net Face of Africa (Nigeria), The Big Brother Africa House (South Africa), Catwalk Kenya, Lake Magadi project, Festival for African Fashion & Art (Nairobi), International Smirnoff Fashion Awards (Nairobi) just to mention a few.

He graduated from Woodvale Grove Fashion College in Nairobi and later furthered his studies at the Instituto Europeo di Design in Barcelona. He's collections display timeless style and creativity.

4. Anne Sophie 

Founder and head designer at Achera Designs. This upcoming designer has big dreams for her fledgling fashion label.

 

She hales from Kenya where she started by designing and sewing outfits for herself and friends. This became her passion, more-so she made it her career and began working as a design assistant for Liz Ogumbo. But later when Liz relocated to South Africa, it called to her to start her own fashion company.

She has taken fashion related courses in London and studied fashion illustration. She also holds a Master's in International Law and Diplomacy.

Her collection has gunnered recognition having graced many fashion shows such as the 2011 African Fashion Fair.

5. Jamil Walji

Owner and Lead Fashion Designer JW Couture. 

He graduated from Limkokwing University of creative technology Malaysia and was awarded a Presidential award for excellence being one of the best in Fashion and Retail design.

He later moved back to Nairobi to start his own company in 2011.

His aim was to develop African designs laced with a modern touch, resulting in  dynamic and diverse collection. He's work has graced the catwalks of numerous shows across the globe. 

He won Designer of the year of Kenya Fashion Awards.

Creative talent is spewing over in Kenya. And upcoming artists are budding all across. The fashion Industry looks promising. 

Keep watch for these talents lovies. You never know when you might need a custom made design for that special occasion.

Till next time.

Stay safe. 

Xo!