Fashion in East Africa is known for its diverse and lively designs, influenced by the cultures and history of countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan.
Fashion designers in the region are creating successful brands with low start-up costs and a demand for high-quality clothing. As the African Fashion industry gains popularity in East Africa, creative ideas are emerging from budding designers, catching the attention of people from different generations.
Designers like Sally Karago and Mustafa Hassanali showcase this trend, influenced by East African powerhouses and events like Swahili Fashion Week in Tanzania and Kampala Fashion Week in Uganda. These events provide essential platforms for East African designers to showcase their work and connect with industry experts.
Despite industry challenges, it’s crucial to recognize the collective effort behind each glamorous image in East African Fashion. Early pioneers like Ann McCreath, Adèle Dejak, Deepa Dosaja, and John Kaveke have paved the way for the growing fashion industry. As a result, the latest generation of East African designers, insiders, and influencers are well-positioned to contribute to the industry’s growth.
In light of this are seven designers who are making significant contributions to shaping East Africa’s fashion industry.
Anyango Mpinga — Kenya
Anyango Mpinga is a Kenyan artist and social entrepreneur known for her work in fashion and cultural innovation. She incorporates emerging technologies like 3D design in her fashion practice, and her digital fashion garments are available on DREST, an interactive luxury styling game.
Anyango has received nominations and awards, including the Green Carpet Fashion Awards in Milan and an International Design Award by UN ITC/Shetrades. She has participated in various art projects and exhibitions globally, showcasing her innovative approach to textiles.
Anyango has been featured in publications like Vogue and Forbes and was part of Beyonce’s Black Parade in 2020. She is recognized for her contributions to the fashion industry and is a 2022 Honorée of The Conscious Fashion Campaign.
John Kaveke — Kenya
John Kaveke is a renowned international Kenyan Fashion Designer based in Nairobi, Kenya. He introduced his fashion label, Kaveke, in 2001 and has since become widely recognized for his distinctive take on contemporary African bespoke tailoring.
John Kaveke’s versatile and inspiring collections have graced runways across the globe, including African London Fashion Week, Sarajevo Fashion Week (Bosnia), Hub of Africa (Ethiopia), Swahili Fashion Week (Tanzania), and Uganda Fashion Week, just to name a few. The East African fashion designer is a bold and original thinker, having graduated from Woodvale Grove Fashion College in Nairobi and pursued further education in Fashion at the Instituto Europeo di Design in Barcelona.
Mustafa Hassanali — Tanzania
As one of the leading African designers in East Africa, Mustafa Hassanali is celebrated in Tanzania and internationally for his fashion creations showcased in 33 cities across 23 countries. Known for his friendly nature and bohemian artistry, Hassanali is a premier designer in Tanzania with an A-list clientele.
Beyond personal collections, he actively contributes to the Tanzanian fashion industry, notably through the initiation of Swahili Fashion Week, the largest event of its kind in East and Central Africa. Recognized as one of Africa’s Top Ten Male Designers by the UK’s New African Women, Hassanali’s impact extends beyond fashion with initiatives like the Fashion 4 Health Charity and TWENDE, showcasing his commitment to societal development.
Brenda Niwagaba Maraka — Uganda
Ugandan fashion designer, Brenda Niwagaba Maraka launched her label ‘Brendamaraka’ in 2007 with a mission to represent Uganda’s tropical essence through fashion and bolster Kampala’s position as a fashion hub. With a decade in the industry, Maraka not only designs but also mentors two aspiring students annually.
Inspired by renowned figures like Stella Atal and Xenson Samson Ssenkaaba, Maraka’s dedication to her craft led her to choose exposure to international fashion trends at the London school over free education in Uganda, a decision she considers priceless.
Since her debut at the Uganda International Fashion Week in 2014, Maraka has actively participated in various fashion events in Uganda and the UK. Contrasting London’s established industry with Uganda’s burgeoning scene, Maraka appreciates the limitless opportunities in her home country, allowing individuals to carve out their unique identities in the dynamic world of fashion.
Sally Karago — Kenya
Recognized as a standout in the Kenyan fashion scene, Sally is an award-winning fashion designer known for her expertise in high-fashion and ready-to-wear pieces. After studying in London in the ’90s, she founded the “Mcensal Fashion House,” a pioneering force in contemporary East African fashion.
Sally later expanded her impact by establishing the Mcensal Fashion School. Her unique approach includes incorporating the Maasai blanket and Kikoi fabric, earning her acclaim as ‘The Ace of Kenyan Fashion’ from African Women Experts. Starting with friends and family as customers, Sally quickly gained success in Kenya, Africa, and internationally.
Her achievements include winning the Smirnoff Fashion Awards in 1993 and the “Mnet Face of Africa” competition in 1996. Today, Sally Karago serves as the chair of the Kenya Fashion Designers Association, adding another layer to her evolving and successful career in the fashion industry.
Fikirte Addis — Ethiopia
Fikirte Addis is a designer from Ethiopia who started Yefikir Design in 2009. Originally trained as a child psychologist, she now uses her fashion label to support children’s causes and raise awareness about child labor. Her brand, showcased at Mercedes Benz Africa Fashion Week, represents Ethiopian fashion, blending traditional culture with modern touches.
Fikirte aims to contribute to changing Ethiopia’s image through its evolving fashion industry, showcasing the diversity and beauty of Ethiopian culture and featuring some of the world’s best hand-woven cotton fabrics.
Taibo Bacar — Mozambique
Mozambique creative fashion designer, Taibo Bacar started his label of the same name in 2008 and has received awards like “Designer of the Year” in Mozambique and “Emerging Designer of the Year” at Africa International Fashion Week. He has shown his designs at various fashion events, including African Fashion Week Johannesburg, and Angola Fashion Week.
Bacar even made history as the first African designer to display his work at Milan Fashion Week. With his success and accompanying innovativeness, it’s no surprise to see that he’s had the chance to showcase his designs on even bigger fashion stages.
Photo: Instagram.com/taibobacar
