Nairobi Fashion Week 2025, held on February 1st, showcased a significant shift towards sustainability, featuring innovative designs crafted from recycled and repurposed materials by various African designers. The event highlighted the environmental and ethical concerns surrounding the fashion industry in Africa.
Kenyan brand Maisha by Nisria presented handmade designs using textiles sourced from flea markets, wholesalers, recycling factories, and landfills, embodying a zero-waste philosophy. Their Afropia collection included pieces like a cropped high-collar jacket and boxy miniskirt made from repurposed curtains.
Rwandan designer Jean Maurice Niyigena’s streetwear label, Bone Koboyi, focused on cultural heritage and sustainability, using recycled materials for his collection. His Exodus collection featured exaggerated silhouettes and hand-painting inspired by traditional textile art, reflecting a balance between innovation and cultural preservation.
Cameroonian designer Sikoti Mbaitjongue, founder of Sokolata, showcased playful cotton pastel designs. She highlighted challenges in sourcing raw cotton, emphasizing the need for local textile industry support to make sustainable fashion more accessible.
The event also featured brands like LaOculta, a womenswear brand rooted in both Kenya and Colombia, and jewellery and accessories brand Apar Gadek, known for distinctive pieces made from materials like brass, recycled glass beads, and upcycled cow horn and bone.
Nairobi Fashion Week 2025 concluded with a powerful statement on the future of fashion, spotlighting Africa’s vibrant design talent and the growing importance of regenerative fashion practices. The event celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Africa through diverse collections that pushed boundaries while honoring traditional craftsmanship.
The event served as a platform for crucial discussions on textile circularity, recycling, and the impact of both national and global policies on the future of the textile industry in Kenya and beyond. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of collaboration between governments, industry leaders, and environmental organizations to create policies that support sustainable fashion and encourage responsible production practices.
Overall, Nairobi Fashion Week 2025 highlighted the growing movement in Africa toward fashion that is not only stylish but also mindful of its environmental impact. The event showcased the incredible work of African designers who are redefining fashion through sustainability and innovation.
