Nairobi is steadily emerging as a hub for creative and sustainable fashion, thanks to innovative designers like Mohamed Awale and Kepha Maina. Awale, founder of Suave Studios, transforms discarded fabrics into stylish bags, backpacks, and wallets, drawing inspiration from Nairobi’s massive second-hand clothing market, Gikomba. By upcycling materials like old jeans and leather jackets, Awale not only creates unique products for young professionals and students but also reduces textile waste, gaining international recognition and corporate clients along the way.
On the other end of the spectrum, Kepha Maina focuses on high-end, ready-to-wear fashion inspired by architecture, the human form, and global design icons like Alexander McQueen and Issey Miyake. Maina’s work reflects a modernist aesthetic tailored to Nairobi’s evolving fashion scene, blending minimalism with artistic expression. Despite the challenge of competing with luxury international brands, his creations are increasingly gaining attention both locally and globally.
Together, designers like Awale and Maina illustrate the diversity and dynamism of Nairobi’s fashion industry. From sustainable upcycled products to high-fashion collections, the city is cultivating a new generation of creatives who are redefining Kenyan style and expanding its global presence. Their work highlights the intersection of culture, creativity, and sustainability, positioning Nairobi as a rising fashion capital in Africa.