Nairobi Fashion Week 2025 proudly announces that Africa’s rising stars in regenerative fashion will take centre stage with groundbreaking collections that combine bold creativity with a commitment to environmental and social impact.
From 29 January 2025 to 1 February 2025 at the Sarit Center, the event will celebrate a new wave of African designers who are challenging the status quo and paving the way for a fashion industry rooted in regeneration, sustainability, and innovation.
As the global fashion industry faces an urgent need to adopt sustainable practices, African designers are leading the charge by integrating regenerative fashion principles that go beyond simply reducing environmental harm.
Regenerative fashion is about renewing and replenishing natural resources, revitalizing ecosystems, and empowering local communities through ethical production processes. Season Seven of the Nairobi Fashion Week will shine a spotlight on the next generation of designers who are redefining fashion for a more sustainable and restorative future.
The theme aligns with our vision of positioning Africa as a global leader in sustainability.
“Our goal is to promote organic fabrics and sustainable fashion, and we believe this platform will help us reclaim and celebrate our story. We are working to establish a platform for sustainable designers across Africa, rooted in the region’s cultural values,” says Brian Kihindas, Creative director of Nairobi Fashion Week.
“Throughout history, African communities have embraced sustainable fashion by crafting garments from locally sourced, natural materials and utilizing traditional techniques that prioritize longevity, cultural significance, and environmental harmony,” he adds.
“This year’s Nairobi Fashion Week is a celebration of a new era in African fashion. We are looking for designers whose ethos is about restoration and healing of the planet from their sourcing of textiles to the disposal of waste, and knowing the end of life of their creations. These rising stars are proving that Africa can lead the world in regenerative fashion, with creativity and purpose driving every aspect of their work,” says Lisa Kibutu, Sponsor and Production Lead at NFW.
The event will feature a selection of designers who are not only showcasing innovative styles but are also committed to responsible practices that reflect both environmental consciousness and cultural heritage.
Among the highlights is LaOculta, a womenswear brand rooted in both Kenya and Colombia. Founded in 2021 by Catalina and Sofia, LaOculta is dedicated to slow fashion, collaborating with artisans from both countries to create unique pieces that merge cross-cultural artisanal techniques with sustainable production.
There is SOKOLATA, a high-end and eco-responsible ready-to-wear created in 2022 by Sikoti Mbaitjongue from Senegal. The brand uses natural materials of African origin in their creations, including organic Senegalese cotton, raw cotton from Benin as well as various West African fabrics traditionally woven by hand.
The fashion minimizes its environmental impact thanks to the choice of its materials and its suppliers and their entire value chain is based in Africa, thus contributing to the development of a new ethical African fashion.
Also featured is Maisha By Nisria, a non-profit fashion and design studio based in Nakuru, Kenya. Known for its unique, handmade clothing, Maisha By Nisria specialises in upcycling and creative reuse, transforming discarded textiles into contemporary handmade pieces that stand out for their innovation.
Kenyan womenswear designer Eva Wambutu returns to the runway after her impressive debut at Nairobi Fashion Week Season 6. Known for her silhouette-focused designs, she has quickly emerged as a designer to watch in the fashion scene.
Jewellery and accessories brand Apar Gadek will add its unique flair to the event. Led by designer Shirley Anyango in collaboration with artisans from Kibera, Apar Gadek offers distinctive pieces made from materials like brass, recycled glass beads, and upcycled cow horn and bone, each item telling its own story.
“I believe people are slowly becoming more concerned about their garments and where they are coming from. People are trying to go back to originality. I believe there will be a rise in local handmade artsy garments rather than just consuming fast fashion apparel that is ruining many things from economics to culture to environment. Nairobi Fashion Week is not just about showcasing beautiful clothes—it’s about telling the story of our planet and the people who inhabit it,” concludes Nur M Nasria, founder Maisha by Nusri
About Nairobi Fashion Week:
Dynamic Race PR initiated Nairobi Fashion Week (NFW) in 2013 to advance the fashion industry in East Africa. The event bridges emerging and established designers with both local and international buyers and stockists.
In 2023, NFW launched the JUST Fashion campaign, promoting sustainability through responsible sourcing, eco-friendly materials, and ethical production. Additionally, NFW introduced the Fashion Frontier Africa (FFA) incubator program in partnership with European e-tailor Cultrite, aimed at supporting African designers with mentorship and business development opportunities. After completing its first cohort, FFA aims to reach 500 African designers.
Having successfully completed six seasons, NFW continues to be a driving force for the future of fashion in Africa.