Mohamed Awale of Rummage Studios [formerly Suave Studios] has established himself as one of the most exciting brands in Nairobi’s flourishing fashion scene. He takes discarded fabrics and turns them into items such as backpacks, messenger bags and smaller goods like wallets and passport holders. Awale draws inspiration from Gikomba, a huge, sprawling, open-air second-hand clothes market in Nairobi, the largest of its kind in East Africa.
Earlier this year, he was supported by the Ethical Fashion Initiative to study on a two-month fashion course in Florence, Italy specialising in bags and accessories. He learnt about bag design, the history of fashion and how to expand his business. This experience enabled Awale to elevate his vision and he decided to relaunch his label in September as Rummage Studios with a new brand identity focused on global expansion. Awale now attracts business from corporate giants like Google and has begun selling his products internationally.
