As people become more aware of the impact that the fashion industry has on the environment, sustainable fashion has gained more attention.
Exhibitors at Nairobi Design Week 2023 featured products and advocated for consumption practices that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
One sustainable way is by using environmentally friendly materials, such as organic cotton or recycled fabrics as well as educating their customers about the benefits of sustainable fashion. By working together, we can create a more responsible fashion industry that benefits both people and the planet.
Here is how our exhibitors embraced #ItsWhatWeMakeIt theme in showcasing creative products that minimize waste, and reduce the use of harmful chemicals and processes.
Africa Collect Textile are making significant strides towards a more conscious fashion industry that supports the environment and promotes a circular economy. Their products exhibited are designed by diverting used textiles and footwear from landfills. They collect, sort, and redistribute clothing to provide vulnerable communities as well as design products from textile waste by safely processing them into uniforms.
Lilabare showcased sustainable African fashion, using naturally dyed handloom clothing + reworked vintage fashion. Kolakisa,** **used recycling wasted ankara/vitenge clothes into incredible outfits as well as organic cotton to produce African outfits.
Liquidlemn brand created by Kuiyucreates, is all about inclusivity and fluidity in their designs, their collection ensures that materials used do not go to waste and the trims are repurposed to create new designs.
Dy Sign showcased a series of designs in collaboration with consultants from the Technical University of Kenya. They have transformed discarded suitcases into chairs. Regalia apparel, sustainability is a top priority, with the use of organic cotton and organic vat dyes sourced locally they also specialize in tie-dyeing techniques for their brand.
Jada Marshleys, Afro-bohemian designs on jewelry with pieces made from recycled brass, animal bone and animal horn.
Within the makers of Kibera Fashion Week exhibit, they truly embraced sustainability; Victorious crafts exhibited handmade made jewelry from recycled materials such as recycled brass, animal bone and animal horn, Kahawa Creations demonstrated how they use natural bleach and his use of coffee in painting made us fall in love with his vision for making authentic Kenyan fabric designs, while Maasai Mbili had an educational sewing session with incredible designs showcasing how designers can reduce waste.
