Nairobi’s Fashion Startups Gain Global Orders

A rising number of fashion startups based in Nairobi are scoring international deals as the city’s design talent gains global recognition. Kenyan designers such as Sevaria, Epica Jewellery, and Kisero Nairobi showcased their lines during Africa Fashion Week London 2025, unlocking new retail and wholesale relationships with European buyers.
This surge in global interest is supported by Nairobi’s growing reputation as a fashion innovation hub — especially for sustainable and circular design. At Nairobi Fashion Week 2025, designers emphasized eco-fashion using upcycled fabrics, plant-based materials, and culturally rooted aesthetics. Simultaneously, the International Trade Centre’s (ITC) Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) has accelerated capacity building in Nairobi: through its three-year Designing the Future project, around 2,500 Kenyan micro‑designers and artisans will be trained to meet international sustainability and quality standards, preparing them to supply luxury global fashion markets.
Industry reactions have been enthusiastic. Stakeholders say Nairobi’s fashion ecosystem is maturing — blending ethical production, local craftsmanship, and export‑ready business models. Analysts note that these global orders could catalyze more investment in Kenya’s textile value chain, help scale artisan cooperatives, and strengthen linkages with international fashion houses. As the momentum grows, Nairobi’s fashion startups appear poised to expand their international footprint, turning local creativity into a key export driver.