Nairobi Fashion Week VII to Kick Off in Kenya’s Capital

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 29^th January to 1^st February 2025, 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.

NFW Schedule of Events

Day 1, Wednesday 29^th January 6.00pm – 8.00pm: Press launch cocktail at Sirwo Bistro, Lavington Mall

Day 2, Thursday 30^th January 10.00am – 400pm: Designer Business Network & Pop-up at Pride Inn Azure, lantana Road, Westlands

Day 3: Friday 31^st January 9.00am – 1.00pm: Panel Discussions at Pride Inn Azure, lantana Road, Westlands

Day 4, Saturday 1^st February 6.00pm – 10.00pm: Fashion Showcase at Sarit Expo Centre, Westlands

The Regenerative Fashion Renaissance

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.

Fashion Designers to Watch at NFW VII

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.

Then there’s 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 their 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.

Other showcasing designers include Verses by Habida (Kenya), Bone (Rwanda), Igul Leather (Kenya), Native 1018 (Rwanda), Merkeba EA (Kenya), Afrowema (Kenya), YUGI (Kenya) and Karssh (Rwanda).

 For more information and to keep up with the week’s activities, visit www.nairobifashionweek.org or follow Nairobi Fashion Week on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.