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The Seventh Edition of Nairobi Fashion Week: A Dynamic Celebration of African Designers and Regenerative Fashion

Posted On : January 20, 2025

Ann Mumbi

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Nairobi Fashion Week 2025 is set to make waves as it returns for its seventh edition, featuring Africa’s brightest stars in regenerative fashion. With the theme “Restoring Culture and Nature Through Regenerative Fashion,” the event will run from January 29th to February 1st, 2025, at the Sarit Center. It promises a groundbreaking showcase of innovative collections that blend bold creativity with a commitment to environmental and social impact.

This year’s theme underscores the urgent need for the fashion industry to go beyond sustainability. Regenerative fashion seeks to renew natural resources, restore ecosystems, and empower local communities through ethical production. By shining a spotlight on designers championing these principles, Nairobi Fashion Week 2025 aims to inspire a global movement toward a more sustainable and restorative future.

A Vision for Sustainability

“The theme aligns with our vision of positioning Africa as a global leader in sustainability,” said Brian Kihindas, Creative Director of Nairobi Fashion Week. “We aim to establish a platform for sustainable designers across Africa, rooted in the region’s cultural values. Our goal is to promote organic fabrics and sustainable fashion, reclaiming and celebrating our story.”

He further noted, “Throughout history, African communities have embraced sustainable fashion by crafting garments from locally sourced, natural materials and utilizing traditional techniques that prioritize longevity, cultural significance, and environmental harmony.”

Lisa Kibutu, Sponsor and Production Lead at NFW, echoed this sentiment: “This year’s Nairobi Fashion Week is a celebration of a new era in African fashion. We are looking for designers whose ethos focuses on restoration and healing from their sourcing of textiles to the disposal of waste and the end-of-life planning for their creations. These rising stars are proving that Africa can lead the world in regenerative fashion, with creativity and purpose driving every aspect of their work.”

The seventh edition will feature an exciting lineup of designers who exemplify responsible practices and celebrate African heritage. Highlights include:1. LaOculta2. SOKOLATA3. Maisha By Nusria4. Eva Wambutu5. Apar Gadek

Nairobi Fashion Hub (@nairobifashionhub.bsky.social) 2025-01-21T13:10:23.118Z

 

Spotlight on Designers

The seventh edition will feature an exciting lineup of designers who exemplify responsible practices and celebrate African heritage. Highlights include:

1. LaOculta: Founded in 2021 by Catalina and Sofia, this womenswear brand bridges Kenya and Colombia through slow fashion. Collaborating with artisans from both regions, LaOculta merges cross-cultural techniques with sustainable production.

2. SOKOLATA: A high-end eco-responsible brand created in 2022 by Senegalese designer Sikoti Mbaitjongue. SOKOLATA uses natural African-origin materials like organic Senegalese cotton and handwoven fabrics from Benin. The brand’s value chain remains entirely based in Africa, contributing to a new ethical African fashion narrative.

3. Maisha By Nusria: A Nakuru-based nonprofit fashion studio specializing in upcycling and creative reuse. The studio transforms discarded textiles into contemporary handmade pieces, emphasizing innovation and sustainability.

4. Eva Wambutu: This Kenyan womenswear designer returns to the runway after her impressive debut at Nairobi Fashion Week Season 6. Known for her silhouette-focused designs, Wambutu is quickly gaining recognition as a designer to watch.

5. Apar Gadek: Led by Shirley Anyango, this jewelry and accessories brand collaborates with Kibera artisans to create distinctive pieces from brass, recycled glass beads, and upcycled cow horn and bone. Each creation tells a unique story, reflecting Africa’s rich cultural heritage.

Nur M. Nasria, founder of Maisha By Nusria, emphasized the growing awareness around fashion’s impact: “People are becoming more concerned about their garments and their origins. Nairobi Fashion Week is not just about showcasing beautiful clothes—it’s about telling the story of our planet and its people.”

About Nairobi Fashion Week

Nairobi Fashion Week (NFW) was launched in 2013 by Dynamic Race PR to advance East Africa’s fashion industry. The event connects emerging and established designers with local and international buyers and stockists. In 2023, NFW introduced the  JUST Fashion campaign to promote sustainability through eco-friendly materials and ethical practices. The Fashion Frontier Africa (FFA) incubator program, developed in partnership with European e-tailor Cultrite, has supported African designers with mentorship and business development opportunities, aiming to reach 500 designers after its first successful cohort.

As Nairobi Fashion Week enters its seventh season, it continues to push the boundaries of creativity, sustainability, and innovation while cementing Africa’s position as a leader in the global fashion landscape.

Content courtesy of Nairobi Fashion Week & NFH Digital Team

Ann Mumbi

An expert in style and image, Fashion Addict focuses on brands worn by showbiz stars who have large numbers of fans worldwide Member Of #NairobiFashionHub Team

Ann Mumbi

An expert in style and image, Fashion Addict focuses on brands worn by showbiz stars who have large numbers of fans worldwide Member Of #NairobiFashionHub Team

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