KFW

Student Fashion
Design Awards

The day opened with exceptional showcases from Kenya’s most promising fashion students, highlighting innovation, craftsmanship, and the future of local design. Participating schools included Mcensal School of Fashion Design, University of Nairobi, Machakos Institute of Technology (MIT), Delight Technical College (School of Fashion & Design), MEFA Institute of Design, and Buruburu Institute of Fine Arts (BIFA). An engaging industry panel followed, bringing together fashion leaders, creatives, and educators to discuss sustainability, education, and building globally competitive African fashion brands.
/Images by Daniel Kempf-Seifried
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Main Showcase

Bold collections. Distinct perspectives.
One defining runway.

Presented at Sankara Nairobi, the 2025 main showcase brought together designers whose collections reflected innovation, cultural depth, and global ambition. From refined tailoring to experimental silhouettes, each presentation contributed to a landmark moment in Kenyan fashion history.
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Dhvani Tombush

Adaiso is built on the belief that fashion is a powerful medium for cultural connection and self-expression. Under the creative direction of Dhvani Tombush, the brand reinterprets Nigerian and Indian aesthetics through a contemporary, global lens. The result is luxury fashion that is both deeply personal and universally accessible, crafted to inspire confidence and celebrate identity in every stitch.

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Tatiana Teixeira

AfroWema, a vibrant celebration of African heritage, interpreted through a sharp, modern design lens. Her collections are distinguished by a unique and intellectual fusion, weaving together deep cultural narratives, scientific principles of sustainable material innovation, and a strong, purposeful design ethos. Each piece is intended to be both aesthetically profound and ethically responsible, worn with intention.

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Betty Vanetti

A pillar of Kenyan fashion, bringing a wealth of expertise from her training at Evelyn College of Design. Her brand, High Savannah Fashion Trends, is the culmination of years dedicated to mastering fashion design, and meticulous couture craftsmanship. Each piece reflects a deep understanding of form and fabric, translating the raw inspiration of the savannah into sophisticated wear that resonates with a global clientele.

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Aulgah Nato

Guided by the signature philosophy “Shape of You,” Aulgah Nato, as Founder, builds a fashion house dedicated to celebrating the feminine form with confidence and elegance. Each collection is crafted to empower the wearer, transforming fabric into a statement of sophistication. The brand’s reputation for design has earned it a place on prestigious runways both within Kenya and across the international fashion landscape

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Deepa Dosaja

Her brand is a testament to timeless craftsmanship, exclusively utilizing natural fabrics to create pieces of enduring elegance and integrity. Each design reflects a deep-seated creativity and a commitment to conscious production, offering not just clothing but a philosophy of style that respects both the environment and the artisan, defining a new standard for modern elegance.

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Diang’a Ochino

the founder specializes in crafting elegant accessories that serve as a dialogue between African heritage and modern design sensibility. Her work is deeply rooted in principles of sustainability, actively utilizing locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact. Each piece is a carefully crafted celebration of  cultural identity, designed to be meaningful, connecting the wearer to a story of  craftsmanship.

Epica

Sharon Wendo & Emmah Kimani

A special collaboration between Epica Jewellery’s Sharon Wendo and Kimani Curves’ Emmah Kimani, Wear Me Whole celebrates body positivity and self-expression through meticulous craftsmanship. The collection merges jewellery and fashion to honor confidence, curves, and individuality, encouraging wearers to embrace and adorn their whole selves with pride, joy, and artistic boldness.

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Wanjiku Angela

Wanjiku Angela Murigi is a pioneering designer who fundamentally redefines fashion through a committed lens of accessibility and technological innovation. Her groundbreaking work at HISI STUDIO focuses on developing tactile and audio-integrated garments that make fashion engaging and navigable for all, particularly championing inclusion for the visually impaired.

Kaveke

John Kaveke

A celebrated Kenyan designer with a formidable career spanning over fifteen years and a global footprint from New York to Lagos. He is renowned for his contemporary approach to menswear. His collections often perform a fascinating sartorial fusion, marrying the vibrancy of Samburu culture with the refined philosophy of Japanese design, resulting in a powerful, cross-continental statement.

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Charity Kiarie

Born in Nyeri, Charity Kiarie founded Kiarie Afrika as a vibrant tribute to her rich African heritage. The brand has become iconic for redefining traditional adornment, most notably through its statement feather earrings and innovative, contemporary beadwork that honors ancestral techniques. Every collection is a conscious celebration of artistry and identity, weaving stories of the past into modern, wearable art.

Maali

Maali

MAALI is a multifaceted creative force, seamlessly bridging her passions as a singer, model, and designer. Through her brand, MALAIKA by MAALI, she crafts a unique space where the rhythm of music meets the language of fashion. The label is deeply anchored in the rich traditions of African craftsmanship, utilizing authentic techniques and materials, while simultaneously articulating a sophisticated, global style.

Nisria

Maisha by Nisria

Maisha by Nisria is a sustainable fashion brand from Kikopey, Gilgil, with a powerful dual mission: to create bold, handcrafted pieces from discarded textiles and to empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities through comprehensive design training. Its Zahar collection poetically celebrates renewal and creativity, featuring upcycled floral designs that symbolize a beautiful parallel.

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Merkaba x House of Mutha

This collaboration unites two audacious Kenyan brands, Merkaba and House of Mutha, in a shared mission to redefine fashion as a profound tool for exploring identity. Merkaba delves into themes of spirit and self-discovery through transformative, thought-provoking design. House of Mutha champions fashion as an act of personal ritual, cultural rebellion, and raw expression.

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Marriane Olivia Njeri

The founder of Molivian, is dedicated to creating timeless, versatile womenswear with a core foundation in sustainable practice. Her expertise, honed under the innovative COOF upcycling program, focuses on the creative transformation of textile waste into unique, bespoke fashion. The result is a collection defined by quiet elegance and thoughtful design, where each piece stands out for its sophistication.

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Neema Nkatha Kinoti

The visionary founder of Ohana Swimwear, is revolutionizing African swim culture by introducing innovative and consciously modest designs. Her groundbreaking work has earned her a place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Africa list and features in institutions like the Design Museum London. The brand is a narrative platform, telling Africa's diverse stories with immense pride and a bold, contemporary vision for global beachwear.

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Peggy Onyango

With an illustrious career spanning over two decades in fashion, she designs refined bridal and ready-to-wear collections under her label, MUSE. Her design philosophy is a celebration of minimalist aesthetics, sustainable and ethical production practices. Each garment is conceived to be timeless, focusing on luxurious fabrics, and impeccable fit, offering the wearer a sense of sophisticated confidence.

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Margaret

Founded by Margaret in Kisumu, Pendeza is a women-led collective that empowers local communities through the art of hand-weaving. Firmly rooted in principles of sustainability and culture, the project ingeniously transforms craft into a viable livelihood and a form of therapy. The "Threads of Progress" collection embodies this mission through naturally dyed cotton pieces that carry the rhythm of Kenya’s heritage.

Keri

Kerubo Nyaribo

he founder of Keri Fashions (KERI NAIROBI), possesses a unique talent for transforming traditional African textiles into bold, expressive, and contemporary designs. Her work is a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage and fierce individuality. This creative path marks a remarkable journey of resilience and passion, transitioning from a background in science to the world of style.

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Sandstorm Kenya

For more than two decades, Sandstorm Kenya has been crafting iconic, entirely handcrafted bags that have become a global symbol of authentic Kenyan artistry and quality. Each piece is brought to life by a dedicated community of over 120 skilled artisans. This community is championed by members of the deaf community, tangibly proving that fashion can be a powerful force for creating dignity and beautiful  art.

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Single Needle

The "Reclaimed Identity" collection by gives voice to the modern African creative spirit—characterized by resourcefulness and a conscious mindset. It ambitiously redefines the essence of street-high fashion. Every stitch and creative patchwork detail reflects a commitment to circular fashion principles and a powerful belief that true beauty can authentically rise from  narratives that society has prematurely discarded.

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Yvans Conde

The self-taught founder behind Tausi Conde, constructs a universe where Afro-futurism and urban culture meet. His work is dedicated to telling compelling stories of African identity and diaspora, challenging preconceived notions. He actively redefines the global narrative of creativity emerging from the continent, positioning African inspiration as a powerful force in the future of fashion.

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Becky Adeli

The founder of Threads_Intel, is a designer who bridges the gap between cherished tradition and innovation through her concept of "Afrofused" fashion. Her vibrantly colourful designs are conceived as wearable stories, each narrating powerful themes of cultural resilience and historical continuity. She approaches clothing as a dialogue, creating garments that allow the wearer to express a deep, proud sense of self.

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Tausi Julia Achieng V

The creative force behind Vazi Maridadi, Tausi champions handmade, sustainable fashion rooted in African craftsmanship. From crochet to knitwear, her intuitive designs are driven by curiosity and mood. Award-winning and featured in media like KTN, she transforms organic inspiration—like tree roots—into bold, conscious wearable art that honors heritage and the environment.

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Grace Mumbi Gitau & Victoria Orlando

From the collaborative creative minds at Vivo Fashion Group, Grace and Victoria present IYANA, a luxurious resort collection inspired by the balance between the organic beauty of nature and modern sophistication. The line is characterized by flowing silhouettes, striking, nature-derived prints, and textures that work together to capture a feeling of elegance and liberating self-expression

AGATHA

Agatha Oturi

For over twenty years, Agatha Oturi has crafted her TWORO (Sisal) designs under the umbrella of Intrinsic Falconry Fashions. Her profound inspiration springs from the dignified attire of traditional African cultures, with a special focus on Luo heritage. This vision materializes in collections defined by strong conceptual narratives and a masterful, intentional use of colour.

SYLVIA OMINA

Sylvia Omina Otsieno

Omina Otsieno is a sustainable Kenyan brand founded by Sylvia, specializing in transforming humble banana fiber into exquisite, elegant handwoven jewellery. Deeply rooted in her Marachi heritage, Sylvia’s work masterfully blends time-honored craftsmanship with sleek, modern design aesthetics, celebrating both culture and environmental consciousness.

PAULA AMALEMBA

Paula Amalemba

Paula Amalemba is a Kenyan fashion designer whose vibrant brands, Things and Bits Kenya and Swahili Sayings, are dedicated to celebrating African culture through a lens of modern, creative design. Her work cleverly blends cultural humour, deep heritage, and skilled craftsmanship to transform proverbs and traditional motifs into unique, conversational wearable art.

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