Nairobi Fashion Week 2025: A Bold Step Toward Regenerative Design
The Sarit Expo Center will host a transformative edition of Nairobi Fashion Week from January 29 to February 1, 2025, marking a turning point for African fashion. With the theme “Regenerative Fashion Renaissance: Restoring Culture and Nature,” the event aims to redefine the future of style by merging creativity, heritage, and sustainability.
As the global fashion industry grapples with its environmental impact, Nairobi Fashion Week is positioning Africa as a trailblazer in the push for regenerative design. The event will spotlight designers who are not just reducing harm but actively restoring ecosystems, uplifting local communities, and celebrating cultural identity.
Revolutionizing Fashion through Sustainability
This year’s edition boasts a compelling lineup of designers dedicated to sustainable innovation:
- LaOculta: Bridging Kenya and Colombia, this womenswear brand, founded by Catalina and Sofia, weaves cross-cultural artisanal techniques into slow fashion. Each piece is a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition.
- SOKOLATA: Launched in 2022 by Senegalese designer Sikoti Mbaitjongue, this label sources organic cotton from Senegal and Benin, utilizing handwoven fabrics to champion an African supply chain rooted in ethical practices.
- Maisha by Nisria: Based in Nakuru, Kenya, this nonprofit studio transforms discarded textiles into bespoke, upcycled fashion. Founder Nur M. Nasria is on a mission to turn waste into wearable art while addressing cultural and environmental issues.
- Eva Wambutu: Renowned for her sculptural, minimalist designs, this Kenyan designer returns with collections that redefine elegance through simplicity.
- Apar Gadek: Led by Shirley Anyango, this jewelry and accessories brand collaborates with Kibera artisans to craft stunning pieces from recycled materials such as brass, glass beads, and upcycled bone, showcasing Africa’s potential for sustainable artistry.
“Nairobi Fashion Week is about more than fashion—it’s a call to rethink how we create and consume,” says Nur M. Nasria of Maisha by Nisria.
The Urgency of Regenerative Fashion
The global fashion industry is responsible for over 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually and 10% of carbon emissions—more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. In Kenya, the influx of unsellable second-hand clothing, much of it synthetic, exacerbates the nation’s plastic pollution crisis.
The designers showcased at Nairobi Fashion Week are offering solutions through upcycling, organic fabrics, and traditional African craftsmanship, proving that fashion can be both restorative and innovative.
“Regenerative fashion isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about restoring balance, empowering communities, and celebrating our rich heritage,” says Lisa Kibutu, Sponsor and Production Lead at Nairobi Fashion Week.
Highlights of Season Seven
Attendees can look forward to an engaging four-day program, including:
- Designer Business Network: Facilitating connections between designers and ethical buyers.
- Sustainable Fashion Showcase: Celebrating collections that embrace circular fashion and cultural storytelling.
- Green Think Tank Roundtables: Discussions on tackling second-hand clothing waste and creating sustainable trade policies.
- Fashion Frontier Africa Incubator Program: Supporting 500 African designers and artisans through mentorship and business development by 2025.
A Legacy of Innovation
Since its inception in 2013, Nairobi Fashion Week has been a vital platform for East African designers, drawing over 15,500 attendees and showcasing 125 collections. This year, the event reinforces its role as a global leader in sustainable fashion.
“Historically, African communities created garments that embodied harmony with nature and cultural pride,” says Brian Kihindas, Creative Director of Nairobi Fashion Week. “This year, we reclaim that legacy, proving Africa can lead the way in fashion that heals the planet.”
Join the Revolution
Nairobi Fashion Week 2025 is more than an event—it’s a movement to reshape fashion’s future.
Event Details:
- Dates: January 29 – February 1, 2025
- Venue: Sarit Expo Center, Nairobi
- Theme: Regenerative Fashion Renaissance: Restoring Culture and Nature
For tickets and more information, visit www.nairobifashionweek.org or follow:
- Instagram: @nairobi.fashion.week
- Facebook: The Nairobi Fashion Week
- Twitter: @The_NFW
Be part of the change. Celebrate fashion that matters.