In Nairobi’s Gikomba market, a hub for second-hand clothing, young Kenyan designers are turning discarded garments into avant-garde fashion, showing that waste can become wearable art. At the Gikomba Runway Edition event, models strutted in upcycled outfits made from fabrics salvaged from markets and dumpsites, merging creativity with sustainability. The initiative highlights Kenya’s growing movement of eco-conscious fashion, where discarded clothing is given new life on the runway.
Leading the charge is 25-year-old Morgan Azedy, whose Kenyan Raw collection uses recycled leather and denim to create edgy, eco-friendly looks. Azedy says the inspiration came from witnessing pollution and wanting to combine artistry with environmental consciousness. Another standout designer, Olwande Akoth, transforms low-quality second-hand bales into couture pieces like kimonos, proving that even discarded fabrics can have beauty and purpose. Their work challenges the notion of garbage and emphasizes sustainability in fashion.
Kenya imported nearly 197,000 tonnes of second-hand clothes in 2023, much of which ends up in landfills. By repurposing these materials into fashion statements, Kenyan designers are not only promoting creativity but also addressing environmental issues. Upcycling becomes a tool for both art and awareness, demonstrating that sustainable practices can coexist with style. This movement is reshaping perceptions of fashion value and pushing a powerful message about the importance of recycling in creative industries.