The eco-friendly innovative designs marked the highlight of the Nairobi Fashion Week 2025, with models showcasing the outstanding creativity of Kenyan and African designers.

The event featured innovative collections that embraced eco-friendly materials, upcycled fabrics, and cutting-edge techniques in circular fashion.

Kenyans shine at Nairobi Fashion Week

The innovations entailed recycled textiles, plant-based fabrics, and organic dyes, proving that fashion can be both eco-friendly and luxurious.

Maisha By Nisria, a non-profit fashion and design studio based in Nakuru, Kenya made a statement at the fashion event.

Known for its unique, handmade clothing, upcycling, and creative reuse, the studio stood out for its innovation in transforming discarded textiles into contemporary handmade pieces that stand out for their innovation.

One of the wears that stood out at the event was the Sokolata, a high-end and eco-responsible ready-to-wear created in 2022 by Sikoti Mbaitjongue from Senegal.

Event fosters visibility and sustainable practices

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.

Jewlery and accessories brand Apar Gadek added her unique flair to the event.

Kenyan womenswear designer Eva Wambutu appreciated such events for fostering visibility and conversations around sustainable practices.

“Events like these create visibility and spark conversations about sustainability, pushing the industry toward more responsible practices. They highlight the importance of sustainable fashion, connect designers with resources, and encourage innovation,” said Eva Wambutu.

Textile industry one of the biggest polluters

The showcasing of these sustainable designs highlighted the growing movement in Africa toward fashion that is not only stylish but also mindful of its environmental impact. 

With the global textile industry being one of the biggest polluters, Nairobi Fashion Week 2025 emphasized the importance of shifting from a linear model of production to a more circular approach.

Stakeholders at the event highlighted the importance of collaboration between governments, industry leaders, and environmental organizations to create policies that support sustainable fashion and encourage responsible production practices.

The event ran for four days, from Wednesday, January 29, 2025 to Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Sarit Expo Centre.

|The Kenya Times