Bobbin and Seif, a Nairobi-based fashion brand, was founded in 2013 by Ugandan friends Bobbin and Seif, who share a lifelong bond as blood cousins and best friends. United by their passion for fashion, the duo has successfully showcased their designs on significant platforms.
Website:
https://www.instagram.com/bobbincase_clothing/?hl=en https://web.facebook.com/bobbincaseclothing
Bellesreveries, owned by Molefe Mleya, is a Harare-based bridal label that weaves dreams into bridal creations. With a commitment to craftsmanship and a touch of Harare’s unique charm, Bellesreveries elevates the bridal experience, offering a blend of elegance and individuality for every bride-to-be.
Website:
https://web.facebook.com/bellesreveries.by.molefe https://www.instagram.com/bellesreveries_by.molefe/
Bella Wangu stands as the epitome of creativity in Nairobi, embodying an elegant and distinctive African-inspired apparel label. With a keen eye for design and a commitment to cultural aesthetics, this brand captures the essence of modern sophistication while celebrating the rich heritage of African influences.
ABC stands as a bespoke powerhouse, going beyond the traditional confines of fashion by expertly incorporating Ankara fabric into a diverse range of creative realms. This brand exemplifies a fusion of cultural vibrancy and contemporary expression, making its mark in unique and multifaceted ways.
Andrea Galante, born in Angola, discovered her love for fashion as a child, tying knots in dolls’ clothes with her seamstress grandmother. Her brand showcases sensuality through satin, lace, sparkles, and bold cuts. Transitioning to bridal wear in 2017 marked a significant step in her creative journey.
Website:
https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063643624758https://www.instagram.com/andreagalanteoficial/?hl=en
Annabelle Thom stands as an exclusive designer renowned for her creations in bags, accessories, and clothing. Operating within the vibrant landscape of Kenya, all her products are meticulously handmade by skilled craftsmen and women. Each item reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, blending traditional techniques with contemporary design. Annabelle Thom’s distinctive creations not only showcase her artistic vision but also contribute to the empowerment of local artisans, emphasizing the intersection of style, craftsmanship, and social impact in the heart of Kenya.
Aimie’s Fashion House, Nairobi’s premier clothing brand, was founded by Emily Warinda. A trendsetter in Kenyan fashion, Aimie’s combines contemporary style with African influences. Elevating Nairobi’s fashion scene, Emily’s vision is evident in every meticulously crafted piece. Aimie’s Fashion House epitomizes elegance, authenticity, and a fusion of cultures, making it a celebrated name in Kenya’s thriving fashion industry.
Website:
https://www.instagram.com/aimiesfashionhousekenya
https://web.facebook.com/AimiesFashionHouseKenya
In a world where fashion stands as the second-largest contributor to global waste, generating over 92 million tons of textile waste annually, Nairobi Fashion Week is leading a transformative shift towards sustainability. Acknowledging the impossibility of achieving perfect sustainability and zero waste, we believe that now, more than ever, it is crucial for brands to embrace change.
Nairobi Fashion Week recognizes the challenges of achieving perfect sustainability in a dynamic business landscape. We understand that the fashion industry involves complexities that make absolute sustainability elusive, contributing to an alarming 20% of global industrial water pollution. However, this acknowledgment fuels our commitment to navigate the path to responsible fashion.
As the fashion industry significantly contributes to global waste, with one garbage truck of textiles being wasted every second, the need for brand responsibility is paramount. Nairobi Fashion Week serves as a beacon, urging brands to embrace sustainability not as an unattainable ideal but as an imperative.
Embracing Imperfection in Pursuit of Progress
Perfect sustainability may be an unattainable goal, but that doesn’t mean we shy away from the journey. Nairobi Fashion Week invites brands to join us in the pursuit of continuous improvement. Every step towards sustainability matters, contributing to a more responsible future. With approximately 60% of all clothing produced ending up in landfills within a year of production, even small changes can have a significant impact.
Our ethos recognizes the ever-evolving nature of sustainability. We acknowledge that being perfectly sustainable is challenging, but that doesn’t diminish the importance of taking meaningful steps. Nairobi Fashion Week is committed to progress—constantly evaluating, innovating, and challenging industry norms.
In this era of environmental consciousness, brands are no longer just entities; they are change agents. Nairobi Fashion Week invites labels to embrace the imperfection of the sustainability journey, recognizing that each effort contributes to a more responsible industry.
Sustainable fashion, in its various expressions, embodies ethical production, circular principles, a slower approach, and a conscious message. It’s about creating garments that not only minimise environmental impact but also consider the well-being of those involved in their creation. It’s a commitment to evolving practices, acknowledging that the journey towards sustainability is as significant as the destination.
Join Us on the Journey
Nairobi Fashion Week extends an invitation to brands—big and small—to embark on the journey towards responsible fashion. With the fashion industry projected to account for 25% of the global carbon budget by 2050, it’s not about achieving perfection overnight; it’s about committing to change, making strides, and collectively transforming the industry. Together, let’s redefine responsibility in the world of fashion, acknowledging that the journey is as important as the destination.
Alexander Akande, born in Cameroon and raised globally in Nigeria, DR Congo, Kenya, France, Italy, and the U.K, infuses his diverse cultural background into his work. Operating from Yaounde, Cameroon, his label, Alexander II Akande, reshapes perceptions of African fashion. Through bold colors and innovative shapes, it challenges conventional notions of what it means to embody an “African” aesthetic.
About
Yvonne Odhiambo is a Kenyan Fashion entrepreneur cum model and founder of AfroStreet Kollektions having launched her career in 2013. Her unique approach to designing lively and colourful prints has earned her a good number of following from notable personalities who have recognized her for her celebration of African prints. Her signature designs, ‘Attitude and Elegance’ draw inspiration from fabrics with a traditional touch and western aesthetics.