Ann McCreath, the Scottish-born founder of the fashion house KikoRomeo, is celebrating more than two decades of creativity in Kenya — a journey that began in 1996 and transformed her into a pillar of the region’s style scene. Standing at 177cm, McCreath commands presence not just for her height, but for her bold vision, pioneering menswear crafted from African fabrics and textures. Since its early days, KikoRomeo has evolved under her leadership (now co-run with her daughter Iona) into a gender-fluid label known for loose, androgynous cuts that suit both men and women with minimal tailoring. Her designs are now stocked in top-tier retailers in Nairobi, Lagos, Addis Ababa, London, and beyond.
Over the years, McCreath has witnessed Kenya’s fashion industry grow from a niche passion project into a more market-driven and culturally aware sector. She notes that local consumers are now more informed and deliberate in their choices — embracing styles not just for looks but for meaning. She highlights mitumba (secondhand clothes) as an example: rather than being a fallback option, younger shoppers see it as a space for artistic freedom. McCreath believes that the true potential of Kenya’s textile sector lies in blending artistry with commerce, calling for stronger value chains that connect designers, tailors, and buyers. When COVID‑19 struck, local tailors stepped up, pivoting to make masks and adapting to a new reality — a move she says demonstrated both the resilience and creativity of Kenya’s design community.
But McCreath’s life is not just about fashion. Her home overflows with art — paintings, sculptures, and drawings — which she says fuel her creativity. She dismisses electronics in favor of emotional investment, usually purchasing artwork whenever she has spare income. At 5′10″, she avoids heels and favors overalls, hand-woven fabrics, and bright jewellery; she describes her style as mannish and arty. A former relief worker with Médecins Sans Frontières, McCreath’s path has been unconventional but deeply rooted in purpose. Her message to young fashion entrepreneurs is clear: know who you are, commit to your craft, and view fashion not just as business but as a transformative art form.