Regenerative Fashion Renaissance: Nairobi Fashion Week 2025

The Nairobi Fashion Week (NFW) experienced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, temporarily halting its gatherings. Despite the setback, the event's media team maintained engagement with followers through social media, reminiscing about past events and sharing crucial fashion industry updates from Kenya.

Since 2022, event organizers have been actively connecting with fashion designers and emerging talents across the country. As we approach 2025, the NFW has announced its upcoming edition, scheduled from January 29th to February 1st, promising an extraordinary celebration of global fashion creativity.

PHOTOS: NFW2022

In September, RCFS's Media journalist met with Brian Kihindas, the NFW's founder and president of the Kenya Fashion Council, to discuss the organization's pivotal role in supporting Kenyan fashion during challenging times.

During the pandemic, when businesses were forced to close, the Kenya Fashion Council demonstrated remarkable adaptability. "We collaborated with the government and health institutions," Kihindas recalled. "We found an innovative solution by encouraging our local designers to produce face masks. This initiative not only helped designers generate income but also supported their employees and families during a critical period."

PHOTOS: NFW2022

The council has been instrumental in promoting local fashion through strategic initiatives. "We started by encouraging government institutions to embrace Made in Kenya fashion," Kihindas explained. "For instance, Members of Parliament were encouraged to wear locally designed clothing every Friday. Our former president, Uhuru Kenyatta, and the current president have both been strong supporters of this movement."

Addressing the growing sustainable fashion movement, Kihindas emphasized the importance of community-driven initiatives. "We're celebrating various sustainability efforts, including upcycling, recycling, and clothing swaps," he stated. "Sustainability in fashion is crucial for our health, our country, and our planet."

PHOTOS: NFW2022

The upcoming Nairobi Fashion Week promises an exciting lineup of designers who embody the principles of creativity and sustainability. According to FASHIONGHANA, some of the expected fashion designers include; LaOculta: A womenswear brand blending Kenyan and Colombian craftsmanship, Maisha By Nisria: A Nakuru-based non-profit transforming discarded textiles into unique, upcycled fashion pieces, Eva Wambutu: A returning designer known for her remarkable debut, and Apar Gadek and Igul Leather: Artisanal brands focusing on environmentally conscious designs using recycled and sustainable materials. 

PHOTOS: NFW2022

The NFW continues to challenge the destructive practices of the fast fashion industry, advocating for a more responsible approach to clothing production and consumption.

"True fashion respects the Earth," the organization states. "Sustainable fashion isn't just about eco-friendly fabrics or trendy buzzwords. It's about reimagining how we create, consume, and value clothing."

PHOTOS: NFW2022

The organization emphasizes that each garment tells a story—and it should be a narrative of responsibility, ethics, and planetary respect.

Since its inception in 2013, Nairobi Fashion Week has been more than just a fashion event. It is a platform that champions African design talent while driving meaningful conversations about ethical production and eco-friendly practices.

PHOTOS: NFW2022

As the 2025 edition approaches, the NFW remains committed to showcasing the incredible creativity of African designers and promoting sustainability on the global stage.

PHOTOS: NFW2022

PHOTOS: NFW2022

Fashion Trends Africa by RCFS