NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 23 – Nairobi Fashion Week 2025 is proud to announce that Africa’s rising
stars in regenerative fashion will take center stage with groundbreaking collections that
combine bold creativity with a commitment to environmental and social impact. Taking place
from the 29 th January to 1 st February 2025 at the Sarit Center, the event will celebrate a
new wave of African designers who are challenging the status quo and paving the way for a
fashion industry rooted in regeneration, sustainability, and innovation.
As the global fashion industry faces an urgent need to adopt sustainable practices, African
designers are leading the charge by integrating regenerative fashion principles that go
beyond simply reducing environmental harm. Regenerative fashion is about renewing and
replenishing natural resources, revitalizing ecosystems, and empowering local communities
through ethical production processes. Season Seven of the Nairobi Fashion Week will shine
a spotlight on the next generation of designers who are redefining fashion for a more
sustainable and restorative future.
“The theme aligns with our vision of positioning Africa as a global leader in sustainability.
We are working 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, and
we believe this platform will help us reclaim and celebrate our story," says Brian Kihindas,
Creative director Nairobi fashion Week.
“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,” he adds.
“This year’s Nairobi Fashion Week is a celebration of a new era in African fashion. We are
looking for designers whose ethos is about restoration and healing of the planet from their
sourcing of textiles to the disposal of waste, and knowing the end of life of 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,” says Lisa Kibutu,
Sponsor and Production Lead at NFW.
The event will feature a selection of designers who are not only showcasing innovative styles
but are also committed to responsible practices that reflect both environmental
consciousness and cultural heritage.
Among the highlights is LaOculta, a womenswear brand rooted in both Kenya and Colombia.
Founded in 2021 by Catalina and Sofia, LaOculta is dedicated to slow fashion, collaborating
with artisans from both countries to create unique pieces that merge cross-cultural artisanal
techniques with sustainable production.
There is SOKOLATA, a high-end and eco-responsible ready-to-wear created in 2022 by
Sikoti Mbaitjongue from Senegal. The brand uses natural materials of African origin in their
creations, including organic Senegalese cotton, raw cotton from Benin as well as various.
West African fabrics traditionally woven by hand. The fashion minimizes its environmental
impact thanks to the choice of its materials and its suppliers and their entire value chain is
based in Africa, thus contributing to the development of a new ethical African fashion.
Also featured is Maisha By Nisria, a non-profit fashion and design studio based in Nakuru,
Kenya. Known for its unique, handmade clothing, Maisha By Nisria specialises in upcycling
and creative reuse, transforming discarded textiles into contemporary handmade pieces that
stand out for their innovation.
Kenyan womenswear designer Eva Wambutu returns to the runway after her impressive
debut at Nairobi Fashion Week Season 6. Known for her silhouette-focused designs, she
has quickly emerged as a designer to watch in the fashion scene.
Jewellery and accessories brand Apar Gadek will add its unique flair to the event. Led by
designer Shirley Anyango in collaboration with artisans from Kibera, Apar Gadek offers
distinctive pieces made from materials like brass, recycled glass beads, and upcycled cow
horn and bone, each item telling its own story.
“I believe people are slowly becoming more concerned about their garments and where they
are coming from. People are trying to go back to originality and not to be wearing the same
outfits like everybody else. I believe there will be a rise in local handmade artsy garments
rather than just consuming fast fashion apparel that is ruining many things from economics
to culture to environment. Nairobi Fashion Week is not just about showcasing beautiful
clothes—it’s about telling the story of our planet and the people who inhabit it,” concludes
Nur M Nasria, founder Maisha by Nusria.
