No New Clothes Runway: Eco Fashion Week Africa 2024 in Kenya

"We are not another fashion week in Africa coming to compete with the fabulous fashion weeks we already have in the continent," declares Eco Fashion Week 2024 organizers, where fashion transcends trends to embrace sustainability.

Sustainable fashion has become a critical focus for designers across Africa. In Kenya, Eco Fashion Week Africa conceptualized by Belinda of Sustainable Fashion Talks and Ruth Anyango (Dolly The Seamstress)—continues to elevate the fashion and creative industry through innovative sustainable fashion talks and runway shows.

In the photo, from left is Belinda Atieno, and first from the right is Ruth Anyango  Co-founders of the Eco Fashion Week]  [Photo Credit: EFW2024]

The 2024 edition was a transformative week-long event from November 18th to 24th, spanning multiple cities including Nairobi, Mombasa, Malindi, and Watamu. More than just a fashion showcase, it was a comprehensive environmental initiative combining clean-ups, educational workshops, forums, and fashion shows.

Some of the guest speakers on Day 1 of the Eco Fashion Week Africa 2024 [Photo Credit: EFW2024

The event kicked off with a panel discussion at Delight Fashion School in Nairobi, where fashion experts delved into "Unpacking Circularity in the Fashion Industry." Distinguished speakers included: Sabine Huester, co-founder of Off Cut, Saitoti Meitamei, Executive Director of Delight Fashion School, Sylvester Ochieng from Mtaa Safi Initiative, Beverly Jalango, Sustainability Advocate and PROSABA founder, Gabrielle Lipton, Public Information Officer at UNEP and Prof. Josphat Igadwa, Associate Professor of Textile Engineering at Moi University.

The discussion was moderated by Belinda Otieno, founder of Sustainable Fashion Talks and Eco Fashion Week Africa.

Innovative Runway Concept

The collections are made by Afrowema a sustainable fashion brand based in Nairobi [Photo Credit: EFW2024]

The centerpiece of the event was the "No New Clothes Runway," a groundbreaking approach where every collection was crafted from upcycled and recycled fabrics. This bold philosophy challenged traditional fashion norms, demonstrating that creativity can flourish without producing new clothing.

The collections are made by OFF CUT,  a sustainable fashion brand based in Nairobi [Photo Credit: EFW2024]

"We are a movement, a revolution that leverages the power of fashion to heal and restore our planet," the organizers emphasized. The event went beyond mere aesthetics, uniting designers, artisans, and consumers in a collective commitment to ecological responsibility.

Collaborative and Intergenerational Approach

A unique aspect of Eco Fashion Week Africa was its emphasis on collaboration and mentorship. While some designers hesitate to share platforms with emerging talents, the featured brands deliberately showcased student designers, creating crucial opportunities for inspiration and growth.

The Collection was made by a student fashion designer from the Delight Fashion School, Miss Njeri Fashion House [Photo Credit: EFW2024

Tamala Rayola, a Climate Action Coordinator, reflected on the event's impact: "On Day 1, I learned about 'Circularity in the Fashion Industry' and gained a deeper understanding of keeping clothes and materials in a closed loop to reduce waste."

International participants like Liliane Bebe from Cameroon appreciated the event's educational value. "I want to learn how Kenyan fashion designers are incorporating sustainability," she shared, highlighting the event's potential for cross-border knowledge exchange.

The organizers' vision extends far beyond the runway. Through intergenerational activities and cultural celebrations, they aim to awaken a global audience to the power of conscious consumption in the fashion industry.

The collection made by Yarnly Chic based in Nairobi [Photo Credit: EFW2024]

For those interested in supporting authentic eco-conscious brands, the event organizers recommend supporting designers who demonstrated commitment to greater values and those who provided visibility and mentorship to emerging talents. Eco Fashion Week Africa 2024 was more than an event; it was a powerful statement about the future of fashion sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative.

Shoes made by AKALA 21, made out of recycled tires [Photo Credit: EFW2024]

The Collection was made by a student fashion designer from the Delight Fashion School, Simply Milly [Photo Credit: EFW2024

Guest speakers posing for a photo on DAY 2 [Photo Credit: EFW2024

Co-founders taking photos with some participants  [Photo Credit: EFW2024

Fashion enthusiasts enjoying the show [Photo Credit: EFW2024

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