Meet the Designers Who Stole the Show at Nairobi Fashion Week 2025

Nairobi Fashion Week 2025 was more than just a dazzling display of vibrant design talent – it was a bold statement on the future of the industry. Held in Kenya’s vibrant capital, this year’s edition pushed the boundaries of creativity, sustainability, and cultural heritage, proving that African designers are at the forefront of regenerative fashion.

The Rise of Regenerative Fashion

This year’s theme, “The regenerative Fashion Renaissance”, spotlighted a movement that goes beyond sustainability: regenerative fashion. Designers didn’t just focus on minimizing their environmental footprint – they actively embraced practices that restore ecosystems, uplift local communities, and redefine ethical luxury. The collections on display celebrated traditional craftsmanship while integrating innovative techniques that reduce waste and promote resource renewal.

Showstopping Designers & Collections

Nairobi Fashion Week brought together an inspiring mix of established and emerging designers who showcased amazing collections. Some of the standout names included:

LaOculta (Kenya & Colombia) – Founded by Catalina and Sofia, this brand merges cross-cultural artisanal techniques with slow fashion principles. Each piece reflects the duo’s dedication to honouring heritage craftsmanship while promoting sustainable production.

SOKOLATA (Senegal) – Sikoti Mbaitjongue’s brand is redefining African luxury with its use of organic Senegalese cotton, Beninese raw cotton, and handwoven West African textiles. The brand’s eco-responsible approach ensures that every aspect of its supply chain is rooted in ethical African production.

Maisha By Nisria (Kenya) – This Nakuru-based non-profit design studio is turning textile waste into avant-garde, handmade fashion. By upcycling discarded materials, Maisha By Nisria is proving that creativity and sustainability go hand in hand.

Eva Wambutu (Kenya) – After a stunning debut at last year’s Nairobi Fashion Week, Eva returned with yet another silhouette-driven collection, reaffirming her place as one of Kenya’s womenswear designers to watch.

Apar Gadek (Kenya) – Jewellery designer Shirley Anyango collaborated with artisans from Kibera to produce bold, statement accessories crafted from brass, recycled glass beads, and upcycled cow horn and bone.

Afrowema (Kenya) – Also with deep roots in Kibera, Afro Wema embodies the essence of community-driven fashion, ensuring that every piece reflects the stories of modern Kenyan culture. Led by Tatiana Teixeria, their runway ‘spray paint’ installation was especially captivating.

Verses by Habida (Kenya) – New on the fashion scene, Verses by celebrity singer Habida Moloney is a fusion of tradition and modernity showcasing handcrafted brass delicately dipped in gold.

Bone and Native 1018 (Rwanda) – Designer brands, bone and Native from Rwanda showcased the best of modern streetwear in oversized jackets, pants and capris in two high-energy and memorable showcases.

Bone (Rwanda)

Native 1018 (Rwanda)

Yugi (Kenya) – Kilifi based sustainable fashion brand Yugi by Yugi Priti did not disappoint with an elegant showcase of both menswear and womenswear. Yugi uses creative screen-printing techniques to give new life to leftover and 2nd-quality materials.

Sustainability & Innovation at the Core

Beyond the runway, Nairobi Fashion Week hosted panel discussions that explored the role of fashion in addressing environmental and social challenges. Thought leaders, designers, and sustainability advocates shared insights on ethical sourcing, circular fashion, and the power of collaboration in creating an inclusive industry.

Tatiana Teixeira, founder and CEO of Afro Wema, summed it up perfectly: “Events like these are essential in aligning the industry with sustainability. This edition created a platform where brands could showcase their eco-conscious innovations, foster collaborations, and educate both consumers and stakeholders on responsible fashion.”

This year’s Nairobi Fashion Week proved that fashion can be both a celebration of culture and a catalyst for change and we look forward to even bigger fashion events coming out of Kenya in future.

💬 What was your favourite collection from Nairobi Fashion Week 2025? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Photo Credits: Daniel Kempf-Seifried @geschichtenvonunterwegs